CONSERVATION 

OF OUR 

WILD BIRDS 




CONSERVATION OF OUR 

WILD BIRDS 



CONSERVATION OF OUR 

WILD BIRDS 

METHODS OF ATTRACTING 

AND INCREASING THE NUMBERS OF USEFUL 

BIRDS AND THE 

ESTABLISHMENT OF SANCTUARIES 

BY 

BRADFORD A. SCUDDER 

SECRETARY OF THE MASSACHUSETTS 

nSH &. GAME PROTECTIVE 

ASSOCIATION 




ISSUED BY THE 

MASSACHUSETTS FISH AND GAME 
PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION 

748 TREMONT BUILDING 

BOSTON 



V^^^^^^ 



1 



.S3 










INTRODUCTION 

VERYWHERE throughout this broad 
land of ours there exists a wholesome de- 
sire to protect the wild life about us. We 
of this twentieth century are living in an 
age when both societies and individuals are 
zealously striving, not only to inspire a love for this wild 
life, but also to instruct the people at large regarding how 
it may be wisely conserved. Love for the out-of-doors is 
strong in most of us and the call to the country is insistent. 
Each year the throng increases of those who respond to 
this summons, — many to reside there permanently, others 
as sojourners only during the delightful months of the 
year, and the charms of a country life are doubly enhanced 
by the presence of the wild creatures about us. 

The wild life, especially the birds, contribute largely to 
both our welfare and our happiness. While engaged in 
their important work of ridding the country of injurious 
insect pests and the seeds of noxious weeds, they at the 
same time gratify our aesthetic tastes by their cheery songs, 
bright colors, and vivacious movements. There is also the 
additional charm of being able to watch the evolution of 
their home-building, from the gathering of the first nesting 
material until the young spread their wings and fly away. 
Unfortunately many of those who delight in the charms 
of the country have been denied the opportunity of learn- 
ing much about the habits of birds, — what species will 
nest in bird-houses, where to properly place these houses, 
or how to care for the birds that visit us in the bleak 

[7] 



weather of winter and come about our homes searching 
for food. 

Hosts of birds may be attracted about our country homes 
at all seasons of the year by offering food, shelter, and suit- 
able lodgings, and the author in following the precepts of 
the Massachusetts Fish and Game Protective Association, 
has endeavored to set forth in a manner both clear and 
comprehensive, methods by which this may be accom- 
plished. 

In this important work of protecting and conserving 
our wild life we are confronted with a situation that de- 
mands instant and careful consideration. The author refers 
to the antagonistic points of view held by the bird pro- 
tectionist and the sportsman. The former adheres to the 
theory that the shooting of all birds and quadrupeds for 
mere sport should be absolutely abolished, while the latter 
argues that game birds and quadrupeds exist for the pur- 
pose of providing a source of legitimate recreation. We 
do not wish to criticise the exponents of these doctrines, 
— each has a right to his own beliefs. Therefore let us 
strive to create a spirit of goodwill and cooperation, such 
as will inspire both parties to devote their energies unceas- 
ingly to the cause of wild life protection and propagation. 
Our game birds afford recreation to many that delight in 
shooting, — a legitimate pastime when tempered with 
moderation, and one to be encouraged as an incentive to 
become better acquainted with nature, and to render the 
young mind keen by training the powers of observation. 

Savage man however, hunted not for the mere sport of 
the chase, but to supply himself with the necessities of 

[8] 



life. So, all statements to the contrary notwithstanding, 
do not try to excuse your own present sporting propensity, 
on the ground that it is a portion of the inheritance be- 
queathed you by an ancestor, who armed with a flint- 
tipped spear followed the pre-historic mammals. 

Our wild life of the present day is in numbers but a 
fragment of what our country contained a quarter-century 
ago. That vandal, commercialism, the destroyer of our 
natural resources, played havoc, not only with our game 
birds and quadrupeds, but also with our birds that con- 
tribute so largely to the welfare of the country in an eco- 
nomic way. Now that the market-hunter and the pur- 
veyor of plumages of wild birds are no longer allowed to 
ply their nefarious trade, our wild life may hope to estab- 
lish itself in its former abundance, but we must all "put 
our shoulders to the wheel," and help repair *'the years 
that the locusts have eaten." 

By the establishing of refuges the birdlover and the 
sportsman may meet on common ground and be of mu- 
tual benefit. In every city and town there should be 
established a permanent sanctuary, — the most successful 
method of perpetuating our useful and interesting forms 
of wild life. In conserving our game birds and quadrupeds 
by means of protected areas, we at the same time aid in 
increasing the numbers of insectivorous birds, so that those 
who establish refuges primarily for game, become indi- 
rectly public benefactors. 

Artificial propagation of certain species of our native 
game birds is yet in its infancy, is doubtful of success, and 
too costly Ih operation to be attempted by those possessing 

[9] 



only moderate means. However if denied the possibilities 
of a game-farm, we may at least establish sanctuaries and 
increase the natural supply of game, not only by protective 
measures, but also by creating a sincere public sentiment 
for this method of game conservation. Competent admin- 
istration, persistent and systematic feeding and housing of 
the birds and rigorous enforcement of the laws, are all 
necessary to bring success to this enterprise. 

The author wishes to thank not only the members of 
the Executive Committee, but also many other members 
of the Massachusetts Fish and Game Protective Associa- 
tion, who by their loyal and enthusiastic support have 
made the publication of this book a success. Thanks are 
due Mr. Edward Howe Forbush, for his kindly interest 
shown, both by reading the proof, and in making many 
valuable suggestions. Our former President of this Associ- 
ation, Mr. William Brewster, deserves many thanks for 
much excellent advice given relative to bird nesting- 
boxes, gleaned from his experience of many years in at- 
tracting birds. 

It was for the purpose of aiding those who are interested 
in conserving the wild life about us that this little book 
was prepared, and it is the sincere hope of the author that 
it will be a stimulus to whoever reads its pages to join the 
ever-increasing ranks of those who stand for the rational 
protection of our WILD BIRDS. 

Bradford Alexander Scudder. 

January, 1916. 



[10] 



CONTENTS 



PAGE 



Introduction ........ 7 

Birds That We Should Encourage to Nest About Our 
Country Homes ....... 13 

Nesting- Boxes . . . . . . . .21 

Martin Houses . . . . . . . .31 

Bird Baths . . . . . . . . .35 

Winter Feeding of Birds ...... 38 

Berry and Seed Bearing Trees and Shrubs . . .42 

Aquatic Plants . . . . . . . .45 

The Establishment of a Sanctuary . . . .48 

Enemies of Wild Birds . . . ' . . . .62 

Bibliography of Works Pertaining to Birds and the 

Out-of-Doors ........ 68 

Illustrations 

Nesting-Box for Flicker 22 

Drop-front Nesting-Box, for Chickadee, Bluebird, etc. 24 
Nesting-Boxes Mounted on Pole and Iron Pipe . . 26 
Food Houses and Shelter for Gamebirds . . .39 



[H] 



BIRDS THAT WE SHOULD ENCOURAGE TO 
NEST ABOUT OUR COUNTRY HOMES 

TO aid those who have a fondness for birds, and wish to 
attract them about their homes, but who through lack of 
opportunity possess no intimate knowledge of the nesting-habits 
of each species, the following list of common birds is given. 

All of these thus enumerated are found generally throughout 
our three Southern New England States, and when offered pro- 
tection will nest on our farms, often in such proximity to our 
houses that their home-building and domestic cares may be ob- 
served from the luxury of an arm-chair on the veranda, or from 
a convenient window. Birds of different species vary greatly in 
their choice of a location for a nesting-site, and it is from our 
knowledge of the peculiar nesting-habit of each species that we 
are able to anticipate their desires and prepare a congenial 
environment. 

Some birds nest on the ground, or in tussocks of grass ; some 
in low bushes and thick shrubbery; others among the branches 
of our orchard and shade trees ; some few species excavate holes 
in the decayed trunks, or branches of trees; and some species 
not able to excavate holes for themselves, will occupy these 
vacated apartments, and also the nesting-boxes prepared by man. 

Although we may not solve the secret of the Bluebirds ' pref- 
erence for the nesting-box, let us welcome the little home-seekers 
by offering an apartment to their liking. In many sections now 
over-run by that exotic pest, the European House Sparrow, and 
where nesting-boxes intended for the use of our native birds 
would be immediately tenanted by this unwelcome guest, birds 
of other nesting-habits may be attracted by the planting of thick 
shrubbery and coniferous trees. 

Therefore the birds in this subjoined list have been grouped in 
accordance with their nesting-habits. 



[13] 



BIRDS THAT NATURALLY NEST IN 

CAVITIES IN TREES — FOR THESE WE SHOULD 

PROVIDE NESTING-BOXES 

NEARLY all of the various species of birds that have recip- 
rocated the kindness of their human friends by accepting 
the nesting-boxes prepared for them, originally nested either in 
the abandoned homes of the woodpecker architects, or in cavities 
in trees formed from the combined effects of decay and the action 
of the elements. 

In either instance, the bottom of these cavities is always padded 
with a soft layer of particles of wood, — chips of the woodpecker 
artisan, or a deposit of decayed wood. All members of the wood- 
pecker family lay their eggs upon this layer of chips, which slightly 
hollowed forms a nest, no other material being used. In all 
nesting-boxes this natural lining of the bottom should be sup- 
plied, using for the purpose coarse sawdust, or ground cork, to 
the depth of two inches. This detail is most essential, and 
should not be overlooked. Woodpeckers will not occupy a 
nesting-box that lacks this floor covering, — the eggs would roll 
about on the bare floor, and prevent the parent bird from prop- 
erly covering them during the period of incubation. It is also 
the opinion of the author, that birds other than woodpeckers, 
species that use various materials for the construction of a nest, 
are more readily induced to occupy a nesting-box having this 
layer of sawdust or cork, than one in which it is lacking. 

A nesting-box, with the correct inside dimensions, and proper 
size of entrance for each species is given in the appended list. 
The mechanical construction and the placing of these nesting- 
boxes in position will be fully described in the chapter entitled, 
* * Nesting-boxes. * ' 

Bluebird: Nesting-box should have the following inside dimensions, — 
floor, 5 by 5 inches; depth, 10 inches; entrance, 1^ inches in diam- 
eter, with its lower edge 7 inches above the floor. It may be mounted 
upon a pole; fastened to the side of a barn or other farm building; or 
to the trunk of a tree standing in the open, and at a height of from 8 to 
15 feet above the ground, wherever placed. 

[14] 



Tree Swallow I Nesting-box should have the following inside dimen- 
sions, — floor, 5 by 5 inches; depth, 7 inches; entrance, li^ inches in 
diameter, with its lower edge 4 inches above the floor. It may be 
mounted upon a pole, and the pole may then be screwed or bolted to 
a post in the fence inclosing the garden, orchard, or mowing land. 
When fastened to the trunk of a tree, be sure that one is chosen whose 
branches are high enough above the nesting-box to allow the birds free- 
dom of access to their home, after the foliage has fully matured. The 
nesting-box should be placed at a height of from 8 to 15 feet above the 
ground. 

Chickadee: Nesting-box should have the following inside dimensions, — 
floor, 4 by 4 inches; depth, 10 inches; entrance, 1^ inches in diameter, 
with its lower edge 7 inches above the floor. It should be placed at a 
height of from 6 to 12 feet above the ground, and may be mounted on 
a pole placed in the orchard, or open woods, or fastened to the trunk 
of a tree. All nesting-boxes for the Chickadee should be situated in 
open spots, and not in the dense forest. Possibly a nesting-box painted 
a dull white, simulating the color of a gray birch stub, would be 
more readily occupied by the Chickadee, than one stained a shade of 
brown or olive green. This is a suggestion of the author, and might be 
worth trying, from the fact that the Chickadee when excavating its home 
in a dead tree prefers the gray birch, the decayed wood of which is 
easily removed by the tiny builder. 

White-breasted Nuthatch : Nesting-box should have the following 
inside dimensions, — floor, 4 by 4 inches; depth, 10 inches; entrance, 
ly^ inches in diameter, with its lower edge 7 inches above the floor. 
It should be placed at a height of from 10 to 20 feet from the ground, 
on the trunk of a tree in open woods or in the orchard. 

House Wren: Nesting-box should have the following inside dimen- 
sions, — floor, 4 by 4 inches; depth, 8 inches; entrance, 1 inch in di- 
ameter, with its lower edge 6 inches above the floor. It may be fastened 
to the side of an outbuilding; to a tree in the orchard; or, mounted on 
a pole. In any of these situations, the height above the ground should 
be from 6 to 10 feet. 

Flicker: Nesting-box should have the following Inside dimensions, — 
floor, 6 by 6 inches; depth, 18 inches; entrance, ZVz inches in diam- 
eter, with its lower edge 14 inches above the floor. It should be fastened 
to a tree standing in the open, or a pole and at a height of from 8 to 20 
feet above the ground. Trees bordering country highways, or near the 
edges of open fields should be selected for this purpose. 

Red-headed Woodpecker: Nesting-box should have the following 
inside dimensions, — floor, 6 by 6 inches; depth, 16 inches; entrance, 
2 inches in diameter, with its lower edge 12 inches above the floor. It 
may be fastened to the trunk of a tree standing in the open, at a height 
of from 15 to 20 feet above the ground. 

[IS] 



Screech Owl: Nesting-box should have the following inside dimen- 
sions, — floor, 8 by 8 inches; depth, 18 inches; entrance, 3 inches in 
diameter, with its lower edge 12 inches above the floor. It should be 
placed at a height of from 10 to 25 feet above the ground, on the trunk 
of a tree among both pine and hardwood groves of fairly open growth, 
or fastened to one of the large branches of an apple tree in an ancient 
orchard. 

Sparrow Hawk: Nesting-box should have the following inside dimen- 
sions, — floor, 8 by 8 inches; depth, 18 inches; entrance, 3 inches in 
diameter, with its lower edge 12 inches above the floor. It should be 
fastened to the trunk of a tree standing in the open country, or along 
the borders of a highway, at a height of from ten to twenty feet. 

Wood Duck: Nesting-box should have the following inside dimensions, — 
floor, 12 by 12 inches; depth, 24 inches; entrance, 6 inches in diam- 
eter, with its lower edge 16 inches above the floor. Suitable natural 
nesting-sites for the Wood Duck do not occur in abundance, so that 
by placing nesting-boxes on the trunksof large trees withina short distance 
of a pond or stream, and at a height of from 8 to 20 feet above the 
ground, we may induce one or more pairs of these beautiful waterfowl 
to stay in our neighborhood, and raise a brood of young. 

Crested Flycatcher: Nesting-box should have the following inside 
dimensions, — floor, 6 by 6 inches; depth, 12 inches; entrance, 2 inches 
in diameter, with its lower edge 8 inches above the floor. It should be 
fastened on the trunk of an apple tree, or a hardwood tree standing in 
the open woods, about 15 feet from the ground. 

Downy Woodpecker: Nesting-box should have the following inside 
dimensions, — floor, 4 by 4 inches; depth, 12 inches; entrance, 1^4 
inches in diameter, with its lower edge 8 inches above the floor. This 
should be fastened to the trunk, or a large perpendicular branch of an 
apple tree, or to a hardwood tree standing in the open forest, at a 
height of 15 feet. The Downy Woodpecker rarely raises a brood of 
young in a nesting-box, but frequently uses it as a winter sleeping apart- 
ment. However, by persisting in offering this species a suitable nesting- 
box of the above dimensions, we may eventually be rewarded by its 
being accepted. 

Hairy Woodpecker: Nesting-box should have the following inside 
dimensions, — floor, 6 by 6 inches; depth, 15 inches; entrance, iVz 
inches in diameter, with its lower edge 12 inches above the floor. This 
species is more of a woodland bird, than others of its family, and seldom 
nests in close proximity to a dwelling. Nesting-box should be fastened 
to the trunk of a hardwood tree in fairly open woods, and placed at a 
height of from 10 to 20 feet above the ground. Like its cousin, the 
Downy, this Woodpecker does not favor ready-made apartments, — but 
let us persist in our efforts to secure this bird as a tenant. 

[16] 



BIRDS THAT NEST AMONG THE BRANCHES 
OF ORCHARD AND SHADE TREES 

Robin: Nests commonly in trees of various species both broad-leaved, and 
coniferous, and frequently on the cornices of buildings. 

Kingbird : Nests among the branches of apple trees, seeming to prefer 
this tree to that of many other species. A pair of Kingbirds near the 
house are a safe-guard from the depredations of both Hawks and Crows. 

Scarlet Tanager : This species is also a lover of the orchard, and fre- 
quently nests among the branches of the apple tree. 

Redstart : Nest is placed in the fork of branch of maple and oak trees, 
in rather swampy localities, and in small white birches. 

Black-throated Green Warbler: Nests among the branches of the 
white pine, groves of which it frequents during the breeding season, 
and in small upland cedars. 

Pine Warbler : Nests and spends the breeding season among the pitch- 
pines, but when these trees are wanting, shares the groves of white pine 
with its cousin, the Black-throated Green Warbler. 

Yellow-throated Vireo: Nest of this species is very often suspended 
from a fork of the trailing branches of the elm tree. 

Red-eyed Vireo: The purse-shaped nest of this species is suspended from 
the small branches of maples, birches, and other broad-leaved trees. 

Cedar Bird: Nest is usually placed in the fork of a small branch of an 
apple or other orchard tree, and sometimes in the fork of a sapling 
growing in open meadow land. This bird is not an early nester, and 
does not commence to build until about the first of July. 

American Goldfinch : This species delays its nest-building until July, 
when it constructs a nest in the fork of one of the small branches of 
both apple and maple trees. 

Purple Finch: Nest is built among the branches of cedars, firs, and other 
coniferous trees. 

Crow Blackbird: The bulky nest of this species is built among the 
branches of white pine and other coniferous trees. Sometimes among 
bushes near water holes. 

Baltimore Oriole: The elm trees of our New England towns are the 
favorite nesting sites of this bird, from the drooping branches of which 
its pendulous nest is hung. 

Blue Jay: Nests among the branches of both coniferous and broad- 
leaved trees. In spite of its handsome attire, this species should not be 
encouraged to nest in numbers, for it destroys many eggs and young of 
our useful birds. 

Least Flycatcher: Nest is placed in the fork of a branch of an apple 
tree, more frequently than in that of a tree of other species. 

[17] 



Wood Pewee: Nest is usually placed in a fork of the large branches of 
an oak tree, and sometimes saddled on a large limb. The Wood Pewee 
prefers open woods of hardwood growth, free from underbrush and 
where the oaks predominate. The nest is an exquisite piece of work- 
manship, and the outside is usually studded with lichens. 

Ruby-throated Hummingbird: Nest is usually saddled on the dead limb 
of a hardwood tree, sometimes in the forest,, often in the apple orchard. 
It is one of the most beautiful bits of bird architecture, and simulates a 
knot or excrescence on a branch so closely, that the observer would pass 
it by unnoticed, did not the bird by angry buzzing about, betray her 
secret. 

BIRDS THAT NEST IN BUSHES AND 
THICK SHRUBBERY 

Wood Thrush: While this species is more or less of a woodland bird, 
it frequently appears about country estates possessing an abundance of 
shrubbery, particularly that bordering a small stream or artificial pond. 
Among this shrubbery, or in the fork of a small sapling in moist woods, 
the nest is built. 

Catbird: The nest of this species is often built in a thick clump of 
shrubbery near the house, such as lilac bushes, azaleas, and syringas. 
Clumps of high bush blueberries, and other shrubs of dense growth are 
also favorite nesting sites of this bird, especially about the borders of 
wet meadows and sluggish brooks. 

Brown Thrasher: This species is not as fond of nesting near our homes 
as is its cousin the Catbird, preferring to build its nest among the thick 
clumps of scrubby growth of huckleberry bushes, scrub oaks and other 
dense cover, of wild pasture land, both upland and swamp. After the 
young are hatched the parent birds come about our gardens and lawns 
searching for insect food for the young birds, and to indulge in the 
pleasures of the bird bath. 

Chestnut-sided Warbler: The nest of this species is placed in the fork 
of a small hardwood sapling. Young sprout growth of birches, and maples 
being frequently chosen for this purpose, as well as hazelnut, huckle- 
berry, and other small bushes in swampy meadows. 

Yellow Warbler: The nest of this species is placed in the fork of a 
small low-growing tree or bush of various hardwood species near the 
borders of swampy meadows, and sometimes midst the shrubbery near 
our homes. 

Field Sparrow: Nests in low growth of bushy uplands and fields, and 
occasionally the nest is placed upon the ground. 

Chipping Sparrow: Nest of this species is built not only in clumps of 
shrubbery, but also in apple trees, cedars and firs. 

[18] 



BIRDS THAT NEST UPON THE GROUND 
OR IN TUSSOCKS OF GRASS 

Ovenbird: Both this bird and the following species construct an arched 
nest on the ground, often beneath the protecting cover of a small 
pile of brush or fallen branch, in moist woods of oaks and maples. 
Frequently the nest is placed close by the edge of a woodland path. 

Black and White Warbler: As mentioned above the Black and 
White Warbler nests upon the ground in much the same manner as the 
Ovenbird. The author has found several nests of this bird that were 
placed under the projecting edge of a leaf-strewn depression in the oak 
woods, where at some former time large boulders had been removed. 

Song Sparrow: The nest of this species is frequently placed in the grassy 
overhanging bank of a brook, sometimes in a tussock of coarse grass, 
and occasionally in a low-growing bush. 

Vesper Sparrow: This species builds its nest upon the ground in upland 
pastures. 

Red-winged Blackbird: Tussocks of coarse grass, sedge and clumps 
of cat's-tail are all favorite nesting sites of this bird in marshes and 
swampy meadows. Button-ball bushes about the borders of ponds and 
streams are also chosen as nesting places by this species. 

Meadow Lark: The nest of the Meadow Lark is placed upon the 
ground among the tall grasses of the hayfield that form an arch over it. 
During the operations of mowing, care should be taken to prevent the 
destruction of the nest by scythe or mower knives, by having your 
workmen locate the nests, before the operations of the hay harvest are 
under way. The Meadow Lark is of inestimable value to the farmer as 
a destroyer of insects injurious to both hay and grain crops, and strong 
efforts should be made to increase the numbers of this species. 

Bobolink: The cheery Bobolink nests upon the ground in the midst of 
the hayfield where the nest is concealed beneath a tussock or clump of 
grass. This bird is another valuable friend of the farmer and the same 
care should be used in avoiding destruction of its nest during the haying- 
time, as with that of the Meadow Lark, 

Bob- White: While the whistle of the Quail comes up from the field, 
the wife of the merry piper is quietly brooding her eggs, along the 
borders of the grain field or mowing land, where she has placed her 
nest, — so kind farmer have a care when the hay or grain crop is about to 
be harvested. Other places are also chosen as a nesting site by this bird, — 
a clump of low-growing huckleberry or bayberry bushes, the edge of a 
brush-pile, or the protecting lower rail of the old Virginia fence, still 
found on some farms. 

[19] 



Ring-necked Pheasant: This bird has become very abundant in certain 
sections in Massachusetts, and having been given a long season of pro- 
tection, comes about our estates and nests frequently in close proximity 
to our homes. The nest is placed upon the ground, where it is well 
concealed among the thick grasses or clumps of bayberry bushes and 
trailing blackberry vines. 

Ruffed Grouse: Nests on the ground in open hardwood growth, and 
the nest is sometimes placed beneath a fallen tree-top, or, the edge of 
a pile of brush. 

Spotted Sandpiper : Many nests of this little sandpiper are constructed 
in the strawberry beds on our farms, where the bird arranges a nest of 
the hay or straw used as a winter protection to the plants, and deposits 
her eggs. 

Woodcock: Nests on the ground in swampy or moist woodlands. Both 
parents and young visit the gardens at night in search of earthworms and 
grubs, and cornfields of the farmer are also favorite feeding grounds. 

BIRDS THAT NEST IN BUILDINGS OR ON 
THE BEAMS BENEATH BRIDGES 

Barn Swallow : Nests on the beams and rafters in barns, provided there 
is an entrance and exit continually open. The passing of our old-fash- 
ioned New England barn with its wide open doors and windows in 
roof, is the cause of the disappearance of this beautiful bird from certain 
localities where it was formerly abundant. 

Cuff or Eave Swallow: This species is of sociable disposition, and 
nests in colonies, the bottle-shaped nests of mud being attached beneath 
the eaves or cornices of country barns and outbuildings. 

Chimney Swift: Nests commonly throughout Southern New England 
wherever it can find an unused chimney. It is a good plan to watch 
these birds and discover which particular chimney they have chosen for 
nesting quarters, and thus avoid destroying both nest and young by a 
temporary blaze in the fireplace during the months of May, June and 
July. 

Phoebe Flycatcher: Nests on the beams and top of wall beneath barns, 
on the timbers beneath bridges, and often on the top rail or cornice of 
the veranda of the house. 



[20] 



NESTING BOXES 

SOMETIME in the long ago an American Indian made the 
astonishing discovery that birds of certain species could be 
induced to occupy homes fashioned for them by human hands, 
and promptly swung aloft from the tips of his lodge-poles, cala- 
bashes or gourds, the dried shells of which, with entrances prop- 
erly cut, made ideal nesting-boxes. In many sections of the South, 
the calabash is grown in large quantities by the planters, and is 
still used as a nesting-box for Bluebirds, Purple Martins, and 
Wrens of several species, with most successful results. After the 
calabash has ripened and the shell has become hardened, a cir- 
cular opening of a size to admit the particular species of bird for 
which it is intended, is cut in the side of the calabash, at a point 
where its diameter is the greatest. The seeds and dried meat are 
then extracted by means of a piece of wire bent into a hook. 
Holes are made in the neck, through which a piece of stout tarred 
marline or other cord is passed, also two small holes, two inches 
apart, are made in the back, opposite the entrance, through which 
another cord is passed. The top cord is used for suspending the 
gourd from a branch, and the lower one is to prevent the gourd 
from swaying too much in a stiff breeze. Two or three quarter-inch 
holes bored in the bottom will serve for drainage, — the shape of 
the calabash being such that more or less water runs inside during 
rain storms. Calabashes have been used with considerable success 
as nesting-boxes in one or more towns in New York State; but 
for New England and other sections of the country in the same 
latitude, a nesting-box constructed of boards will withstand the 
wear and tear of the elements far better, as the calabash is rather 
fragile, and often lasts but one season. In the South their saving 
grace is minimum cost and ease of production in quantities. 

Nesting-boxes have run the gamut, from tomato cans to elabo- 
rate affairs, with roofs of burnished copper, and the manufacturer 
of bird houses has entered the field with his wares. Many manu- 
factured commodities that are displayed in the shops come from over 
seas, and the first nesting-boxes constructed on scientific lines, of- 
fered for sale in this country, bore the mark "Made in Germany.'* 

[21] 




( 



B<ZMAJL.— I 



m 



r/G. A. 



F/G. B. 



NESTING-BOX FOR FLICKER 

Figure A. Vertical cross section showing construction. (A) holes bored for 
nails or screws used in securing box to post or tree trunk. 

Figure B. Front view showing method of fastening top in place by pushing 
a round galvanized nail (B) in the hole on each side. Nails project far enough 
to be removed by the fingers. Type of nesting-box used by E. H. Forbush. 



[22] 



Baron Hans von Berlepsch, whose lifetime has been spent in 
the study of the nesting-habits of European birds, evolved this 
type of nesting-box, copying as closely as possible the works of 
the woodpecker architects. These boxes are made from sections 
of bark-covered logs, the interiors of which have been cut out 
with a special tool, to a form and size corresponding with the 
original, pear-shaped nesting-hole of the woodpecker artisans. 
Entrances are then cut at the proper angle, and of sizes suitable 
to admit whatever particular species of bird is desired as an occu- 
pant. This type of nesting-box has been used with phenomenal 
success in Europe, where many hundred pairs of birds of various 
species nested in them upon the estate of Baron von Berlepsch, in 
Germany. These boxes are now manufactured in this country, 
and we hope that our own native birds will take as kindly to them 
as have their European cousins. Nesting-boxes of the von Ber- 
lepsch type require the use of special tools and power machines 
for their manufacture, and it would be useless for the amateur to 
attempt to make these by hand. With the possible exception of 
the Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, all our hole-nesting species 
will use the rectangular box of boards. Ernest Harold Baynes, 
Meriden, New Hampshire, manufactures the von Berlepsch boxes 
in quantities, and those who may wish this type of nesting-box 
may obtain them of him in various sizes. With the exception of 
the Flicker and the Red-headed Woodpecker, our native species 
of Woodpeckers still persist in excavating their own dwellings, and 
have not as yet been induced to occupy these ready-made apart- 
ments. Dead timber and decayed branches are the building sites 
of the Woodpeckers. Unfortunately they also harbor both insects 
and fungus, each a menace to the health of the forest, and the 
forester is forced to remove these plague spots. Woodpeckers are 
valuable guardians of the forest, and efforts must be made to re- 
place the homes thus taken from them, by the offering of a nest- 
ing-box that they will accept. 

It is not the intention of the author to discourage the manufact- 
ure and sale of nesting-boxes, but to aid those of moderate means 
who wish to attract birds, and cannot afford to pay the prices 
charged by the manufacturer, even though the price be but one 

[23] 




/v-l= 



N <=--r=| 



m 



^ssss»» ^ 'tfs^ss-- 



^/DE 



FRONT 



onor-rnoNT 



NEIST/NG-BOX 



Drawings show vertical cross section and front view. Door hinged at bottom 
with brass screws (B). 

Fastened at top with a round galvanized nail (N) pushed in from each side 
and easily removed when box is to be opened. (H) hole in side of door on each 
side to admit nails. 

Entrance cut on an angle of sixty degrees. 

Size given above for Flicker, 

For other species consult dimensions given in the list of birds, "That Natu- 
rally Nest in Cavities in Trees," etc. 



[24] 



dollar per box. The motive in putting up nesting-boxes is to at- 
tract the birds and increase their numbers for economic reasons, 
thus the cost is an important factor in determining to what extent 
these boxes will be used by persons of moderate means. Often a 
person with a large bank account, and whose country estate is of a 
size to warrant the placing of fifty bird houses, will consider very 
carefully the advisability of investing fifty dollars in bird homes, 
even though he realizes the value of birds as destroyers of insect 
pests. 

Our American birds will use a rectangular box quite as readily 
as one of the von Berlepsch type. Wood is the best material to 
use. Nesting-boxes of tin or other metal become very hot when 
exposed to the glare of the sun, and those made of earthenware 
are cold and damp. 

A nesting-box that happily combines ready acceptance by the 
birds, is proof against the depredations of both cats and squirrels, 
and that can be manufactured at a reasonable cost, is the one to 
be used. 

Boards, nails, and the few tools essential for the construction 
of a practical bird house that fulfills the above requirements, are 
to be found in every well ordered household, and with the aid of 
the working plans contained in this handbook, the farmer, the 
school boy, and the commuter, may in their leisure moments 
enjoy the pleasure to be derived from their own handiwork, and 
at the same time contribute to the happiness of the birds. 

White pine boards, seven-eighths of an inch in thickness, 
planed on one side only, makes the best building material. When 
pine is not obtainable, other woods may be used. Old boards that 
have become weathered are first rate for this purpose, — only say 
what you think, **sotto voce" when your saw strikes a hidden 
nail. Use the planed surface for the outside of the box, the rough 
side for the interior, and as a further aid to the young birds in 
their ascent from the nest to the entrance, score the inside of the 
board forming the front with a series of horizontal saw-cuts. Begin 
an inch below the entrance, making them an eighth of an inch 
deep and a quarter of an inch apart. The entrance should be cut 
on an upward slant at an angle of sixty degrees, and have its 

[251 



Fic. I 



Fio. 2.. 








'Unj* 



Figure 1. Upper half showing method of fastening 
nesting-box to top of wooden pole. A step of the same 
depth as the thickness of the board forming the back of 
the box, and long enough to extend well up the back and 
ensure stability, is cut on the side of the pole at its top. 
The lower edge of the box will rest upon this. Fasten 
firmly with wood screws, one in front, through the pro- 
jecting back-board, and two in back through holes bored 
in pole to prevent splitting. 

Figure 1. Lower half showing manner of fastening 
pole to fence post or stump of tree. Lag screws are used 
on account of tlie extra strength needed and of course 
must be driven by means of a wrench. Bore the holes for 
these large enough to allow the lag screws to go through 
the pole without splitting it. In the post itself, do not bore 
the holes too deep. Just start the hole and then set up the 
lag screws firmly with the wrench until all the loose play 
is taken up. 

Figure 2. Left-hand drawing showing nesting-box 
mounted on iron pipe. Right-hand drawing showing bot- 
tom of box with the flange or plate, threaded for pipe, 
firmly screwed on. If preferred, the flange may be dis- 
pensed with and the end of the pipe flattened on an anvil, 
holes drilled for screws about six inches apart and the 
box fastened in the same manner as described for the 
wooden pole except that the step for bottom of box to rest 
upon is eliminated. 



[26] 



edge champfered or countersunk to make a rounded surface upon 
which the birds alight before entering. Perches are unnecessary, 
and when provided are used mainly by English Sparrows. By 
placing the entrance high up under the projecting roof, and cut- 
ting it on an upward slant, the birds are sheltered from both sun 
and rain. Before cutting the entrance, stain the outside of the box 
a neutral tint of olive brown or gray, using an oil stain for this pur- 
pose. Not only the edges of the entrance, but also the interior of 
the box, should be fresh and clean, hence the care in applying the 
stain. Boxes for the Tree Swallow, that are to be mounted on 
poles and placed in the open, may be painted white, — boxes of a 
dark color becoming over-heated when exposed to the direct rays 
of the sun. For the purpose of ventilation, bore two one-quarter 
inch holes in each side of the box, about an inch below the top 
or rooL Obtain some coarse dry sawdust, or some ground cork 
from your Italian vender of fruit, in which come packed his Mal- 
aga and Tokay Grapes. Before fastening the boxes in permanent 
position, place in each a quantity of this sufficient to cover the 
bottom to a depth of two inches. Do not overlook this important 
detail, especially in the boxes designed for members of the Wood- 
pecker family. The dimensions given for each individual nesting- 
box in the list of birds, are inside measurements in all instances, — 
unless otherwise specified, so whoever may construct bird houses 
from these dimensions must allow for thickness of material when 
cutting up his stock. When many boxes are to be made, it will 
expedite matters to have the stock run out by a local lumber mill to 
the proper width for front, back and sides of the individual boxes. 
It is then a very simple matter to cut off the pieces as required. 
A carpenter's bench and the following list of tools are all the 
equipment needed for this work. Two saws, one a cutting-off, 
the other a splitting saw; a carpenter's square; a hammer; a block 
plane; a bit-stock, with an extension bit for cutting the different 
sized entrances, and two or three small drills; a two-foot rule; a 
stout screw-driver; a sharp pocket-knife, and last but not least, 
pencil with soft lead. In addition you will need a supply of gal- 
vanized nails and brass screws, of a size best adapted to the thick- 
ness of material used. Better begin with a few wood-working 

[27] 



tools, and add to the list from time to time, whatever is found to 
be needed, than purchase at the outset an expensive outfit, many 
tools of which may prove later to be of no special value. 

Where the nesting-boxes shall be placed is the next proposi- 
tion. When the box is to be fastened to a tree, one should be 
chosen that stands in the open, along the borders of country high- 
ways, edges of woodland, or open spots in the forest. Birds do 
not like the dense cover of the forest, especially those nesting in 
holes in trees or bird houses. 

A light pole, twelve or fifteen feet in length, may have a bird 
house fastened to its top, and this pole may then be bolted to a 
post in the fence inclosing your garden, meadow or orchard. By 
placing bird houses in this manner at intervals of two hundred 
feet along the line of fence, Bluebirds and Tree Swallows may 
thus be colonized, and a multitude of insects injurious to both 
fruit and foliage will be destroyed by these birds in the imme- 
diate vicinity. At the end of the season poles and boxes may be 
taken down, cleaned and stored away until the following spring. 
In the country these poles are to be had for the labor of cutting. 
Bluebirds, Wrens and Tree Swallows are the only species that 
readily occupy houses that are placed on barns and other farm 
buildings. The height above ground at which the various houses 
should be placed is given in the chapter entitled ** Birds That We 
Should Encourage to Nest About Our Country Homes." A good 
rule to follow is to place a bird house not less than eight feet above 
the ground or more than twenty. 

Nesting-boxes should not be placed too near one another. Birds 
are fickle in making a choice of apartments, and will quarrel about 
them. Two hundred feet is about the right distance that each box 
should be from its neighbor. The beginner, in his enthusiasm, is 
quite apt to put up too many nesting-boxes the first season. Better 
put out a few the first season, and, if results are favorable, in- 
crease the number the next year. Where the nesting-box is placed 
in the open, the entrance should face the South or West. Boxes 
facing the North or East are exposed to cold, driving rainstorms, 
that are likely to occur at any time during the nesting season, and 
which are fatal to both eggs and young. 

[28] 



The boxes should be fastened in a vertical position when pos- 
sible, and if at an angle, they should tip slighdy forward rather 
than backwards. Late in the month of February or early in March 
is the best time to put up bird houses. There is no particular 
advantage to be gained by putting them up late in the autumn, 
and squirrels and wood mice soon fit them up for winter quarters. 

The author suggests that a plan of one's country estate be 
drawn, upon which the location of each nesting-box may be marked 
and a number assigned to it. Each nesting-box will have a 
number corresponding to the one upon the plan. The boxes may 
have the numbers marked upon the under side of each, or better 
have them placed at the height of one's eyes at the base of the 
tree or pole upon which the box is fastened. Much interesting 
and valuable data may be collected concerning the nesting-habits 
of the birds occupying the boxes, — length of time from the taking 
possession of the box until the young leave the nest; number of 
broods raised by each species during the season; list of species 
using the nesting- boxes; list of the various species of insects 
brought to the young by the parents. 

After the departure of the birds, the nesting-boxes should be 
carefully cleaned, — the nests removed, and a search made for the 
egg clusters of the gypsy moth frequently deposited in bird houses. 
Sprinkle in each box a small quantity of powdered sulphur to free 
them of parasites. 

When possible the nesting-boxes should be taken down and 
stored for the winter, replacing them again late in the month of 
February or during the first week in March, as before mentioned. 

Cats and squirrels are enemies of birds, and if we are to have 
birds about our homes in numbers, we must eliminate these pests. 
Cats climb trees without the slightest difficulty, and being noc- 
turnal in habit, hunt at hours when they are concealed from our 
watchfulness, climb to the nesting-boxes, pull out the young birds 
or their parents and devour them. 

Both species of squirrels, the red and the gray, are destroyers 
of birds, their eggs, and young. The red squirrel is the more vil- 
lianous of the two, and should be destroyed on sight wherever 
found. Gray squirrels are found in far too great numbers in our 

[29] 



parks and on some large private estates, and should be systemati- 
cally ''thinned out." On many occasions I have seen a gray 
squirrel racing at top speed along a wall or fence, pursued by sev- 
eral irate robins, furiously pecking at him, until the chase ended 
by the squirrel taking refuge in the stone wall or a hole in a tree. 
Squirrels will also enlarge the entrances to bird houses by gnaw- 
ing, and render them unfit for use. 

A wide flange of tin or galvanized iron placed around the tree or 
post on which the nesting-box is fastened, will prevent cats from 
climbing, and this arrangement will also keep squirrels from 
ascending to the nest, when the tree stands at a distance from 
others. On a tree whose branches mingle with its neighbor's, this 
would not avail, for squirrels travel with ease among the tree- 
tops, and would leap from an adjoining tree to the one containing 
the nesting-box, descend and devour its contents at their leisure. 

A galvanized iron plate, threaded for an inch pipe, may be fas- 
tened to the bottom of the nesting-box. A pipe, twelve or fifteen 
feet in length, may then be substituted for the light wooden pole; 
have its top threaded and the nesting-box firmly screwed on. 
Two one-quarter inch holes, drilled in the lower end of the pipe 
about six inches apart, will allow of its being bolted to the fence 
post, and I guarantee that no feline claws will obtain a foothold 
upon this iron post of small diameter. Suitable lengths of discarded 
iron pipe in good condition, may frequently be obtained at a low 
figure. These will answer the purpose fully as well as new pipe, 
and any plumber will cut a thread on each to fit the bottom-plate. 
Another method of fastening is to flatten the end of the pipe on 
an anvil and drill two holes through it, six inches apart, and fasten 
the pipe securely to the back of the nesting-box with screws or 
light bolts. In this manner the box is rigidly secured. 

In order to be successful in securing as tenants our native spe- 
cies of birds, one must keep a watchful eye upon the nesting- 
boxes, otherwise they will be pre-empted by English sparrows, 
starlings and squirrels. Nesting-boxes that are put up and left 
unwatched during the nesting season, will be as unproductive of 
results as a farmer's garden in which the weeds have been allowed 
to run riot. 
[30] 



MARTIN HOUSES 

THE Purple Martin is the largest of the Swallows, beautiful 
in color, form and flight, and displays a fondness for man 
by nesting always in close proximity to our dwellings. Some tribes 
of North American Indians encouraged the presence of Martins 
about their wigwams, by suspending from the lodge poles, cala- 
bashes or gourds fashioned into nesting boxes, which these birds 
readily occupied. The French Creoles of Louisiana also adopted 
this same method in providing nesting places, the gourds in this 
instance being fastened to the top of a pole set in the ground. 
Martins are birds of a sociable disposition, and will nest in com- 
munities when provided with a nesting box containing many 
apartments, each family living in a state of perfect harmony with 
its neighbors next door. Being a bird of powerful flight, it is able 
to travel long distances in foraging for food, and a large colony of 
Martins will thus rid a wide area of winged insect pests, especially 
during the period following the hatching of the eggs and until the 
young birds have left the nest. Disastrous cold storms in the 
spring of 1903, and wanton shooting in the southern states during 
the years following, sadly decimated the ranks of the Martins. 
Thanks to a wise legislation, our migratory birds are now the 
feathered wards of the United States Government and protection 
at all times is afforded them within the borders of the United 
States. Thus, barring destruction by the elements, the Purple 
Martin should soon re-establish itself in its oldtime abundance 
throughout southern New England, provided suitable nesting sites 
are made ready for the birds. Let us therefore encourage the pres- 
ence of these beautiful birds by erecting a Martin house, such an 
one as will add picturesqueness to its environment of lawns and 
shrubbery. 

Martin Houses are really miniature reproductions of our own 
dwelling houses, and various st}'les of architecture may be used in 
their design, and they may contain few or many rooms, as may 
suit the fancy or ability of the builder. Unless one is very proficient 
in the use of wood-working tools and has a well-equipped carpen- 
ter's bench, it would be advisable to purchase a Martin house out- 

[31] 



right from a reputable builder of these houses. There are in this 
country at least three manufacturers who furnish houses complete 
with pole, and whose advertisements appear in the columns of 
magazines devoted to birds and the out-of-doors. However should 
one wish to attempt the construction of a domicile for Martins, 
he will find that a light (weight) oak barrel, with entrances 
properly cut, and compartments fitted inside, the top finished with 
a conical-shaped roof and the whole affair neatly painted, makes 
both a practical, and an artistic house. Each room should be at 
least six inches or more square, and seven or eight inches high, 
with the entrance two and one half inches in diameter. The en- 
trance may be either circular in form, or shaped like an inverted 
U. The lower edge of the entrance should be made flush with 
the floor of the apartment, thus facilitating the removal of old 
nesting-material and a thorough cleaning of each apartment at the 
end of the season. One may use his individual taste in adding 
perches at the entrances, or in making a little balcony completely 
around the house, two inches below the edge of the entrances, on 
each tier of apartments. This house should be mounted on a pole 
twenty feet from the ground. Heavy galvanized pipe makes an 
ideal material for this purpose, the pipe being run through the 
centre of the barrel, where it may be securely bolted, and the ground 
end firmly imbedded in a barrel of cement sunk level with the sur- 
face of the lawn. Given a coat of enamel paint, this pole is proof 
against the claws of any felines who may seek to go aloft in quest 
of the feathered tenants or their progeny. 

While the Purple Martin is courageous and will give chase to 
any species of Hawk venturing near its home, it seems to be 
unable to successfully cope with the English Sparrow. This 
undesirable bird will, unless rigorous methods of extermination 
are used, pre-empt the Martin houses and destroy both their 
eggs and young. There is nothing quite as exasperating to the 
bird-lover, as the sight of a crowd of Sparrow gamins sitting at 
the entrances of the Martin houses, and yelling notes of derision 
at the rightful owners. The English Sparrow is a canny bird, 
and will desert a neighborhood for several months after having been 
shot at a few times. Use a shot-gun of small bore persistently 
[32] 



during the entire year, supplemented by wire Sparrow traps 
baited with cracked corn during the winter, and destroy their 
eggs and nests wherever found. Martins arrive during the first 
or second week in May, and by keeping the Martin house cov- 
ered with burlap or bagging until their arrival, the Sparrow will 
be forced to look elsewhere for quarters, for it is an early breeder, 
and nests before the Martin arrives. 

The European Starling has now made its appearance in Massa- 
chusetts and adjoining states. Is fast becoming established, and is 
increasing in numbers. The Starling, like the English Sparrow, 
was introduced by some thoughtless, but well-meaning individ- 
ual, for the purpose of combating the ravages of injurious insects. 
The results have not been satisfactory from an economic point 
of view, from the fact that the Starling has shown a disposition 
to acquire a liking for fruits of many sorts as well as grains. 
While it is true that at certain seasons of the year he destroys 
many harmful insects, that his glossy plumage, yellow bill, his 
sedate saunterings about the lawn, his gurgling, whistling notes 
and droll antics afford both interest and amusement to the observ- 
er, — yet he can never fulfill the mission that rightfully belongs 
to many species of our native birds. 

It is deplorable that the time and energy wasted in unsuccess- 
ful attempts along these lines, could not have been devoted in 
the years that have gone to increasing the numbers of our native 
birds. 

The Starling will nest in bird houses, in cornices and crevices 
of buildings, and in the abandoned holes of woodpeckers, and is 
thus a menace to our native birds of similar nesting-habits. 

The owner of a Martin house must use the same vigorous 
methods of elimination with this species as with the English 
Sparrow, — or put up nesting-boxes for the Starling. 

The Martins start on their long southern journey late in Au- 
gust, or during the first week in September. Immediately after 
their departure, the house should be thoroughly cleaned, — the 
nests removed, and it is well to look at this time for the egg 
clusters of the gypsy moth that are frequently deposited in the 
nesting apartments. A little powdered sulphur scattered on the 

[33] 



floor of each apartment will free the premises of parasites. After 
the process of renovating is completed, and the house has been 
well aired for two or three days, close all the openings to the 
apartments. Where the openings are circular in form, large 
corks may be obtained to fit them snugly, the use of which will 
not render the appearance of the Martin house as unsightly as 
when swathed in burlap. The burlap or canvas covering is sug- 
gested as a material to use only when the shape of the entrances 
will not allow the use of corks. The saving grace of the burlap 
or canvas is, that it is easily obtained and quickly applied. 

Professional builders of Martin houses, furnish a pole that is 
hinged at the ground-end. This arrangement allows the Martin 
house to be tipped over and placed upon the ground, or better, 
a carpenter's saw-horse. In this position it is readily cleaned and 
may then be covered from the weather during the winter, and 
again raised to position in the spring upon the arrival of the 
Martins. In this manner the English Sparrow elimination prob- 
lem is solved. 

The Martin house should be set up in the open and not too 
near one's own dwelling. The midst of a wide expanse of lawn is 
a suitable spot for this purpose. Martins like plenty of freedom 
about their homes, so do not erect the Martin house close to trees. 
The Martin is a bird fond of the wide expanse of farm lands and 
fertile, flat valleys of slow flowing rivers, and is not found abund- 
antly in hilly or mountainous country. 

Martin houses may be obtained of the following makers, all of 
whom are recommended as builders of thoroughly practical domi- 
ciles for the Purple Martin : The Audubon Bird-House Company, 
Meriden, New Hampshire; Joseph H. Dodson, 1200 Associa- 
tion Building, Chicago, Illinois; Jacobs Bird House Company, 
Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. 



[34] 



BIRD BATHS 

WATER is as essential to birds as food, not only to quench 
their thirst and help assimilate their food, but also for the 
purpose of bathing, for birds are cleanly creatures. In hot weather 
and during the nesting season, birds drink often, and bathe fre- 
quently, and unless a supply is furnished near at hand, must fly 
long distances in its quest. Therefore bathing places should be 
established at intervals about one's grounds, particularly if the 
estate be of great extent. The selection of location is of vital 
importance to the welfare of the birds. However wary a bird may 
be at other times, it is during the pleasure of the bath that its 
watchfulness is relaxed, and caught off its guard, is pounced 
upon by some cat that has made a successful stalk from the cover 
of a nearby clump of shrubbery. 

To make this danger as remote as possible, place the bath in 
the open at some distance from any cover, and also as an addi- 
tional precaution have the bath mounted, when practicable, on a 
pedestal at least three feet in height. 

A bath may be a simple one easily constructed by the amateur, 
or it may be an affair of exquisite design, such as would fittingly 
adorn an Italian garden, along with its sundial and roses, and 
from the centre of which a fountain may play. The possibilities 
of a bird bath are limited only by the purse of the owner and the 
skill of the craftsman. 

Frequently boulders are found scattered about over an estate, 
the tops of which have been hollowed by the elements to a depth 
and shape ideal for a bath. Such a natural tub for the birds may 
be filled daily with water by means of a bucket, and is easily 
cleaned two or three times a week by using a stiff brush and 
sponge. Trailing or climbing vines planted about the base of the 
boulder will soon cover its grim sides with a mantle of green, and 
the moisture generated by the boulder itself, together with that 
supplied from the water removed from the bath during the pro- 
cess of cleaning, will keep the vines in a flourishing condition even 
during the heat of summer. A judicious use of the pruning-shears 
will keep the vines from over-running and covering the bath. 

[35] 



A boulder lacking the naturally hollowed surface, suitable for a 
bird bath, may by the aid of bricks, or better, rough stones and 
Pordand cement, be transformed into an excellent bath that may 
be oval or rectangular in shape, or the sides may follow the con- 
tour of the boulder. 

A well-proportioned bath should be three feet long and two 
and one-half feet wide. It should have a depth of one-half inch 
at the edge, and the bottom should slope gradually toward the 
centre, where the greatest depth should not be over three and 
one-half inches. Birds alight at the edge of the bath and wade in 
cautiously until they find the depth that suits them, before begin- 
ning their ablutions, — there is no sudden plunge into its depths. 

In making a permanent bird bath in the midst of a lawn, first 
cut out carefully the turf, making the opening large enough to 
admit of a siding of bricks set on edge to be placed around as a 
retaining border, so that the measurements of the finished bath 
inside the brick edging will be two and one-half by three feet. 
Remove the earth to the depth of twelve or sixteen inches, placing 
it upon a piece of canvas spread upon the lawn near by, and thus 
prevent disfiguring the surroundings with earthy debris. Fill 
this excavation with pieces of coarse, broken stone to within four 
inches of the top, and then set the bricks up on edge around the 
borders. Mix sharp sand and Portland cement together, using 
only water enough to form a stif? paste that can be easily handled. 

Use three parts of sand to one of cement, and stir the dry 
materials well together before adding the water. A shallow wooden 
box makes an excellent mortar-bed in which to prepare the mate- 
rial. After the cement has been applied and has "set" long 
enough so that it may be easily manipulated, take your trowel 
and smooth up the bath. Begin at the centre and work toward 
the sides, so that the bath will slope gently from the edge to the 
centre. Before the cement becomes too hard, a thin coating of 
pure cement may be rubbed over the three to one formula, and 
will make a more waterproof coating. By consulting a local mason, 
who win be glad to aid you, if only by suggestions, you will be 
able to successfully build the bird bath without much difficulty 
and in a creditable manner. 
[36] 



On many estates where the water supply is furnished either by 
the municipality, or from a private storage tank, the bird bath 
may be properly connected by pipes, so that an unlimited iiow 
of water may be maintained throughout the season. Under these 
favorable conditions, a pipe may be run up through the centre of 
the bath, and form a fountain, the gentle spray from which is 
welcomed by the birds. 

All these suggestions must be worked out by the individual 
in accordance with the peculiar conditions to be met in various 
locations. Where the water supply is furnished by pipes, a cut- 
off must be placed below the freezing point, so that the water 
may be shut off during the winter months. 

During the winter season the problem of furnishing water for 
the birds is a difficult one, and we must fall back on our old 
friend, the dealer in poultry supplies, who will furnish a drinking 
fountain, the water of which is kept above the freezing point by 
means of a kerosene heater. 



[37] 



WINTER FEEDING OF BIRDS 

BIRDS are neither mendicants nor loafers, and except under 
the most adverse conditions of weather, do not look to their 
human friends for a supply of food, but cheerfully and indus- 
triously gather the insects and seeds of weeds that are everywhere 
found in abundance, and thus fulfill the economic part planned 
for them by nature. 

Insects, their larvae, and eggs form the principal diet of all 
young birds, from the time they emerge from the shell until 
they are fully grown and strong on the wing, and the quantity 
of insect food consumed during this period of a bird's life is be- 
yond conception. 

The eggs of leaf-devouring insects hatch soon after the un- 
folding of the leaves, in order that the larvae may feed on the 
foliage while it is young and tender. To counter-balance this state 
of affairs in the plant and insect world, nature has timed the 
hatching of the eggs in the nest to coincide with the first appear- 
ance of the larvae, which furnish the greater part of the food sup- 
ply of the nestlings, whose demands for food are insistent. In 
this manner the insects injurious to vegetation are kept in check. 

The migration of birds is regulated not only by weather condi- 
tions, but also by the scarcity or abundance of food, as the case 
may be. So long as a bird is well fed, low temperatures have no 
terrors for him. 

Snow and ice cover the food supply of the ground-feeding 
birds, and sleet storms incase the trees in an icy mail, that locks 
up the insects and their eggs securely from the birds that are 
dependent upon them for food. 

These are conditions that we must offset by providing food of 
various sorts for our feathered friends. All insectivorous winter 
birds are fond of beef suet, and this, like all fats, is a heat pro- 
ducing food of great value to birds during periods of intense 
cold. A good sized portion of suet should be placed on a piece 
of galvanized wire netting of one-half inch mesh, fourteen inches 
long and six inches wide. Fold the netting over so that it incloses 
the suet, and the ends meet evenly. Twist the wires on top and 

[38] 



swimmmDmsE 



Otter <ill 




tu.p.UollA.r'oF 
ZOic or oUti* 










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[39] 



sides together firmly, or use some short pieces of wire for this 
purpose. This wire sandwich with the suet filHng may then be 
suspended from the branch of a tree, is accessible to the birds 
from either side, and the wire mesh prevents the larger and more 
greedy birds from carrying it away in large morsels. A number of 
these should be prepared and distributed about one's country es- 
tate, and have the supply of suet replenished when needed. 

Seed-eating birds are fond of Japanese millet and hemp seed. 
Squash and Russian sunflower seed, and the meats of various 
nuts are eagerly devoured by birds of many species. Dried cur- 
rants may be added to the menu, and will be appreciated. A 
small quantity of fine gravel or grit should be accessible to the 
birds at all times. 

Our two species of gamebirds, the Quail and the Pheasant, 
should be given a mixture of grains along with a supply of gravel 
or grit. What is termed by dealers in poultry supplies, "Mixed 
Scratch Food," is excellent for this purpose, for it contains rye, 
wheat, buckwheat, Kafhr corn, maize, sunflower seed, and field 
peas. The grit may be mixed with this food, one-third grit and 
two-thirds of the grain mixture. This is essential to the health of 
the Quail and Pheasant, and almost as important as the food 
itself. These birds are often compelled by deep snows to go for 
several days without food, and when fed in this starved condi- 
tion will gorge themselves at once, and without the fine gravel to 
grind this food, the results may be fatal to many of them. Both 
of these birds frequently visit the tracks of electric car lines run- 
ning through suburban districts, in quest of the sand used by the 
motormen on the steel rails, at a time when the country is snow- 
bound. 

All food for birds should be placed in a position where it may 
be easily reached, and at the same time not expose them to attacks 
by their enemies. A shelter and feeding station for the gamebirds 
is easily constructed from light boards. It should be made in the 
form of an open shed, six feet long and five feet deep. The front 
should be four feet and the back a foot and a half in height. This 
is then set up in position in a sheltered spot, and the roof and 
sides covered with brush, cornstalks, or pine boughs. The open 

[40] 



front should face the South or Southwest. A few flat stones 
piled on the covering will prevent the winter gales from sweeping 
it away. Place a quantity of the mixed grain and grit along the 
extreme back of this open shelter, where it will be away from the 
snow that may drift in around the front edges of this shelter. By 
a little extra labor a shallow trough can be constructed and placed 
at the back of the shelter, into which the grain may be poured. 
Chaff, sweepings from the barn floor, or rye straw should be scat- 
tered on the snow-covered ground in the vicinity of the shelter, 
for the purpose of enticing the birds to their banquet hall. This 
arrangement, when the food is regularly supplied, assures the 
birds that the pangs of hunger will not be felt, no matter how 
inclement the weather. When the birds have found this free lunch 
counter, they will resort to it daily, with unfailing regularity, as 
long as the country is ice and snowbound. 

Should it be necessary to scatter food about on the snow, with- 
out protection, first trample the snow as hard as possible, and 
then spread the grain or other food on the trampled spot. Thrown 
upon the snow without this precaution, it sinks at once, where it 
cannot be found by the birds, and is simply a waste of both time 
and material. 

For the smaller birds food houses may be built. There are two 
forms of these houses that have been used in this country, both 
of which are simply modifications of the types invented for this 
purpose by von Berlepsch of Germany. 

One of these is so constructed that when it is set in position it 
swings with the force of the wind like a weather-vane, and the en- 
trance always faces away from the wind so that the food and the 
bird guests are protected from the storms. The other food house 
is made in the form of a rectangular hood with glass sides, that 
project below the food shelf within, and both protect the food from 
snow or rain, and at the same time admit an abundance of light. 
Working plans with correct dimensions are given on page 39, for 
the swinging food house and game-bird shelter. 



[41] 



BERRY AND SEED BEARING TREES 
AND SHRUBS 

THE fruits of numerous shrubs and trees, both native and 
exotic, are eagerly sought after by birds of many species, and 
at certain seasons of the year form an important source of food sup- 
ply to them. Many of these retain their berries and seeds through- 
out the winter, and some persist even after the advent of spring. 
No matter how deep the snow may lie upon the ground, these 
trees and shrubs hold high above it their offerings of food to the 
birds. Wherever an abundance of food of this sort is found, birds 
that ordinarily migrate to southern latitudes at the first hints of 
cold weather, may be found in small groups throughout the entire 
winter. This is particularly true of the Robin and the Bluebird. 
An abundance of fruits and a warm retreat at night among the 
dense conifers, enables these birds to withstand almost any down- 
ward plunge of the mercury. 

Every owner or prospective owner of a country estate should 
select shrubbery and trees that are attractive to the birds. It is 
possible to obtain the desired beauty of landscape architecture, and 
at the same time provide for the needs of the birds, from the fact 
that nearly all of the shrubs and trees mentioned in the addended 
list have charms of form and color at all seasons. The scarlet and 
orange fruits in masses supply a vivid bit of color to the fall and 
winter landscape. The fruits of these shrubs and trees are pre- 
ferred by the birds when obtainable, to the cultivated fruits of 
garden and orchard. Russian mulberry, bird cherry, and Chinese 
crab-apple trees, planted along the borders of the garden will ren- 
der the fruits of garden and orchard immune from the depreda- 
tions of birds. The author has included in this list some vines and 
also a few species of herbaceous plants valuable from the food sup- 
ply of their fruits and seeds, to many species of birds. 

The time of fruiting of these various trees, shrubs, vines, and 
herbaceous plants, is given opposite each species, in the list on the 
following pages, and may be considered fairly accurate for the 
region embracing New York and New England. 

By making a careful selection from the varieties mentioned, a 

[42] 



continuous repast of varied fruit diet will be afforded the birds 
during each month through all the round year. 

Reputable nurserymen throughout the country will supply 
nearly all of these plants, also information to the purchaser con- 
cerning proper time, place and method of planting each variety. 

In planning a new home in a section where our native juniper, 
upland cedar or savin, bayberry, barberry, and high bush blue- 
berries are found, wisely conserve these. Even in planting a hedge 
of privet or Japanese barberry, one may at intervals include a 
stocky clump of the high bush blueberries, and thus gain lasting 
favor with the birds. 

DECIDUOUS TREES 

Acer Negundo (September to March) . Ash-leaved Maple, Box Elder 
Betula popuUfolia (September to March) . . . American Gray Birch 



Celtis occidentalis (Entire year) 
Cornusflorida (August to December) 
Crataegus Crus-Galli (August to March) 
Crataegus Phaenopyrum (October to April) 
Fraxinus americana (September to January) 
Lartx decidua (October to March) 
Morus tartarica rubra (June to August) 
Prunus pennsyhanica (June to October) 
Prunus virginiana (July to August) 
Pyrus americana (July to March) . 
Pyrus Aucuparia (August to March) . 



. Hackberry 
Flowering Dogwood 
Cockspur Thorn 
Washington Thorn 
American White Ash 
European Larch 
Russian Mulberry 
Bird Cherry 
Choke Cherry 
Mountain Ash 
European Mountain Ash 



EVERGREEN TREES 

Junlperus virginiana (Entire year) Red Cedar 

Juniperus communis (Entire year) Ground Juniper 

Picea excelsa (October to March) Norway Spruce 

Pinus resinosa (October to March) Norway Pine 

Pinus rigida (October to March) Pitch Pine 

Pinus Strobus (September to October) White Pine 

Pseudotsuga taxifolia (September to March ) ... Douglas Spruce 

Taxus cuspidata (August to September) Japanese Yew 

Tsuga canadensis (October to March) Hemlock 



SHRUBS 

Amelanchier canadensis (June 15 to October 15) 

Berberis vulgaris (July to June) 

Berberis Thunbergii (August to May) . . . . 
Comus alternifolia (July 15 to October) . 



. Shad Bush 

Common Barberry 

Japanese Barberry 

Blue Cornel 

[43] 



Comus sericea (August to October) Silky Cornel 

Comus stolon'ifera (June 15 to March 15) . . . Red Osier Cornel 
Gaylmsacia frondosa (June to September) . , . . . Dangleberry 
Gaylussacia baccata (July 15 to October 15) .... Huckleberry 

Ilex vert'icillata (July 15 to June) Black Alder 

Ligustrum vulgar e (July 15 to April 15) . . . . Common Privet 

Myrica cerifera (July to June) Bayberry 

Pyrus arbut'ifolia (October to March) Chokeberry 

Pyrus Jloribunda (September to May) .... Chinese Crab-apple 

BJiamnus cathart'ica (August 15 to April 15) Buckthorn 

Rhus glabra (Entire year) Smooth Sumach 

Rhus typhina (Entire year) Staghorn Sumach 

Rlbes jftoridum (June to September) .... Large-flowering Currant 
Ribes lacustre (June to September) . . . . Swamp Gooseberry 

Rosa Carolina (August to April) Rose, Wild Rose 

Rj)sa luc'ida (August to April) Dwarf Swamp Rose 

Rosa nitida (August to April) Northeastern Wild Rose 

i^wtf r«^/f/W^ (August to April) . . . . Sweetbrier Rose 

Rubus canadensis (August to October) Low Blackberry 

Rubus occidentalis (July to August) . Black Raspberry, Thimbleberry 

Rubus strigosus (July to October) Red Raspberry 

Rubus nigrobaccus (July to August) .... High Bush Blackberry 
Sambucus canadensis (July 15 to October 15) . . . Common Elder 

Sambucus racemosa (June to August 15) Red-berried Elder 

Symphoricarpus racemosus (September to March) .... Snowberry 
Symphoricarpus vulgaris (September to May) . . . Indian Currant 
Vaccinium corymbosum (June 15 to September 15) High Bush Blueberry 
Vaccinium pennsylvanicum (June 15 to September 15) Low Bush Blueberry 

Viburnum cassinoides (August to January) Withe Rod 

Viburnum dentatum (July 15 to October) Arrow Wood 

Virburnum lentago (August 15 to April) Sheepberry 

Viburnum Opulus (July 15 to April) .... High Bush Cranberry 
Viburnum prunifolium (August to January) Black Haw 

VINES 

Celastrus orbiculatus (October to April) .... (False Bittersweet) 
Ampelopsis quinquefolia (August 15 to February) . . Virginia Creeper 

Vitis cordifolia (July to October) Frost Grape 

Vitis labrusca (August to October) Fox Grape 

HERBACEOUS PLANTS 

Aralia nudicaulis (July to September 15) Sarsaparilla 

Fagopyrum esculentum (August to October) Buckwheat 

Fragaria virginiana (June 1 to October) Strawberry 

Helianthus annuus (August to October) Sunflower 

Panicum Crus-Galli (August to October) .... Japanese Millet 
Phytolacca decandra (August to April 1) Pokeberry 

[44] 



AQUATIC PLANTS 

SMALL ponds containing areas of twenty acres or less, and 
whose number is legion, dot the surface of the states of 
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. Many of these 
ponds should be set aside as sanctuaries for wildfowl, where all 
shooting or other forms of molestation are strictly prohibited, and 
where our wild ducks of many species would find a quiet resting 
place and food during their migrations, inducements that eventu- 
ally would tempt many that now journey to the far North Country, 
to tarry and nest. 

The northern breeding grounds of many species of wild ducks 
are becoming more limited in area each year. The demands of the 
agriculturist must be fulfilled, with the result that marshes and 
swamps, once the summer homes of myriads of wildfowl, have 
been drained, and where the sedge-grass, cat-tails, and alders held 
sway, now waves the wheat and corn. New England must offer a 
home to these evicted wildfowl, and let us set about it. 

In travelling about our Southern New England country It is 
disheartening to note the dearth of wildfowl about the lakes and 
ponds. Scores of sheets of water are passed while journeying by 
trolley or motor car, upon whose blue surface float no groups of 
wild ducks. Protection on their feeding grounds and the planting 
of aquatic plants attractive as food, are two rational methods by 
which these barren wastes of water may be populated with charming 
wildfowl, that add so much to the beauty of the country by their 
presence. 

There are three species of aquatic plants eagerly sought after by 
wildfowl as food, all of which are fairly easily grown in this section 
of New England. These are wild rice, wild celery and wapato, or 
duck potato. 

Wild rice may be sown late in the autumn just before the ponds 
are frozen, or early In the spring soon after the ponds are free of 
ice. When wild rice seed Is to be sown In the spring time, it should 
be kept moist until the time arrives for the sowing. If allowed to 
become dry, it will not germinate. Wild rice Is naturally repro- 
duced from the seed that shatters out from the ripe head In the 

[45] 



autumn, sinks to the bottom of the pond where it lies dormant in 
the soft mud during the winter, to sprout and grow with the ad- 
vent of the vernal sunshine. Wild rice should be sown in ponds 
having a bottom composed of soft mud, and where the depth of 
water is from two to four feet. It seems to thrive best in ponds 
having an outlet, such ponds having more or less of a current, and 
will not persist in stagnant water. Wild rice is an annual, and should 
be sown in large quantities to insure success, for wildfowl are very 
fond of this plant, both seeds and tender shoots, and frequently 
so thoroughly glean the seeds from the bottom of the pond, that 
few are left to perpetuate a future harvest. When once thoroughly 
established it will reproduce plants each season. Sixty pounds of 
wild rice seed should be sown to the acre. Wild rice will also 
flourish along the borders of streams, the waters of which are 
slightly brackish and where there is an ebb and flow of the tide. 

Wild celery seed should be sown in the autumn, or plants ob- 
tained and set out in the summer months. Wild celery grows best 
in ponds having a soft, muddy bottom, and where the depth of 
water is from two to eight feet. It thrives in both fresh and slightly 
brackish water. The seed-pods are from three to five inches in 
length and from one eighth, to a quarter of an inch in diameter. 
These pods should be cut into small pieces, soaked in water until 
they will sink, or imbedded in balls of mud or clay and dropped 
from a boat. Sow at the rate of a bushel and a half to the acre. 
Wild celery is a perennial and propagates itself not only by seed, 
but also by shoots, or runners, the new plants bearing seed about 
the third year. 

Wapato plants should be set out during the months of June, 
July, and August, around the borders of ponds having a thick, 
muddy bottom, setting the plants in water at least six inches in 
depth at its lowest mean level, for while these plants will grow in 
marshy soil, they will not be available as food for wildfowl unless 
planted where water will cover them during the autumn, when 
wildfowl visit the ponds in large numbers. Wild ducks in feeding, 
either dive or tip up and dabble below the surface and pick ofiE 
the young tubers of these plants of which they are very fond. 

The leaves of the wapato are arrow shaped and the plant attains 

[46] 



an average height of about two feet, and propagates itself from 
both bulbs, runners and seeds. In setting out these plants, use a 
trowel and set them firmly in the mud, about six feet apart. Set 
at this distance, it will require one thousand plants to the acre. 

It is important that seeds, plants, and bulbs of these and all 
other aquatic plants, be kept moist until the time for planting 
arrives. The seed of wild rice and wild celery may be carried 
through the winter in cold storage in barrels of water kept at a 
temperature slightly above the freezing point. Wild celery plants 
and wapato bulbs should be "heeled in" in moist earth, and kept 
well watered until ready to be transplanted. 

Wild Millet {Echinochloa Crus-Galli) is also well worth consid- 
eration as a food-plant for wild ducks. This species is not like the 
preceding, strictly aquatic. Neither do the seeds require to be kept 
moist until the time of sowing. It is a rank growing grass, vary- 
ing in height from one to six feet, according to the character of 
the soil. 

It should be sown from May first to July, in moist heavy soil, 
along the edge of marsh, lake or pond, and is said to grow in 
water a foot in depth. 

The seeds shatter from the large fruiting heads to the ground 
or water, and the plant will reseed itself. Sow at the rate of fifty 
pounds to the acre. Many species of wild ducks seek their food 
on the shore as well as in the water, and this plant is one that 
furnishes these waterfowl with a land food supply. In passing it 
might be well to mention the fact that Wood Ducks frequent the 
vicinity of water-oaks in the autumn, the acorns of which they are 
very fond. 

To those who may be interested in the further study of wild 
duck foods, attention is called to the following bulletins issued by 
the United States Department of Agriculture: — "Three Import- 
ant Wild Duck Foods," Bureau of Biological Survey, No. 81; 
"Five Important Wild Duck Foods," Bureau of Biological Survey, 
No. 57; " Eleven Important Wild Duck Foods,' ' Bulletin of the 
United States Department of Agriculture, No. 205. These pub- 
lications may be obtained by addressing the United States Bureau 
of Biological Survey, Washington, D. C. 

[47] 



THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A 
SANCTUARY 

THE motive of establishing a sanctuary is to perpetuate our 
useful and interesting wild birds and quadrupeds. No move- 
ment of the present day tending toward the conservation of our 
wild life, is of more vital importance, or will have more far-reach- 
ing results, than the establishing and maintaining of sanctuaries. 
Every sanctuary created is an aid to the Federal Government in 
its work of protection of the migratory birds, by providing quiet 
nesting places, abundance of food, and freedom from molestation. 
A game preserve differs from a sanctuary in this fundamental 
principle : that it is maintained for the specific purpose of afford- 
ing sport in the form of shooting, to the owners thereof, and the 
gamebirds and animals are conserved within this prescribed area 
solely for the pleasure of the sportsmen. The owners of a game 
preserve have the right to protect this land from trespass, by post- 
ing notices prohibiting shooting. While theoretically a game pre- 
serve is maintained for the purposes of increasing the numbers of 
gamebirds and animals for the pleasure of sport, it will be found 
upon investigation, that in many preserves the members actually 
do very little shooting, and contribute to the welfare of the out- 
lying country, by arresting poachers, by feeding the gamebirds 
during the severe weather of winter, and by destroying their nat- 
ural enemies. 

Within the boundaries of a sanctuary, however, all shooting 
and other methods of destruction and disturbance are strictly pro- 
hibited, and the birds and animals are encouraged to increase in 
numbers. Landowners who make of their properties a sanctuary, 
signify their desire to become public benefactors, by foregoing the 
pleasure of shooting on their own estates. 

The natural yearly increase of gamebirds and animals would 
overflow the boundaries of the sanctuary and eventually re-stock 
the areas open to free shooting. The establishment of a sanctuary 
becomes a mutual benefit to both sportsman and farmer, for in 
conserving the gamebirds and destroying their natural enemies, 
the birds useful for economic reasons, are at the same time 

[48] 



increased in numbers, with the result that the farmer's crops are 
less ravaged by injurious insect pests. 

The English gamekeeper in his desire to increase the numbers 
of gamebirds upon the estate in his charge, carried on his work 
of extermination of their enemies so thoroughly, that he unwit- 
tingly conserved the useful non-gamebirds. The pheasants, the 
grouse and the partridges were his solicitous charges, but weasels, 
hawks, and owls, and other ** vermin " prey also upon the smaller 
birds, so that a decrease of "vermin" spelled an increase of use- 
ful birds, with the result that today there are more birds to the 
square mile in thickly-populated Great Britain than in any other 
civilized country. This is mentioned as an illustration of the vital 
importance of not relaxing for a moment the campaign of exter- 
mination that must be waged against the enemies of wild life found 
within the borders of a sanctuary. 

It is the earnest desire of the author, that public interest in this 
important work be so thoroughly aroused, that a sanctuary or 
wild life reservation will be established and permanently main- 
tained in every city and town, not only in the Commonwealth of 
Massachusetts, but also in each state in the Union. Public parks, 
and other municipal and state reservations, are one form of sanc- 
tuary, but too often are so overrun by a crowd of noisy pleasure- 
seekers as to be entirely inhospitable to our shy wild creatures. 
We need a place of seclusion, with thick coverts, and not the 
newspaper-strewn lawn or paths littered with the debris of former 
luncheons, conditions that unfortunately exist in most public parks. 

There are two methods by which landowners may form of their 
holdings a sanctuary. One is to simply post the proposed area 
with notices forbidding shooting or trapping thereon, and calling 
attention to the fact that the owners of said land wish to protect 
the wild life within this territory, and ask the co-operation of all 
persons in this work. Appeal to the better nature of the individ- 
ual and show him that there is no selfish motive in this restriction 
of shooting, but rather a wholesome desire on the part of the pro- 
prietors to increase the wild life for the benefit of the entire com- 
munity. Try moral suasion first, and if that fails, use a club. The 
proprietors must stand firmly in their rights, and not fear to pros- 

[49] 



ecute all violators, who may commit depredations within the sanc- 
tuary. The following is submitted as a form of notice, that should 
offend no person who aspires to good citizenship: 

NOTICE 

THIS tract of land has been set aside as a Sanctuary for our 
Wild Birds and Animals, where in safety they may find 
food and rear their young. Will you, by refraining from Shoot- 
ing, or any other means of Disturbance, help us to increase the 
numbers of Useful Birds and Animals. 

Please do not heedlessly cut the Trees, or, uproot the Wild- 
flowers, and above all cause Forest Fires by the careless use of 
matches, cigars or cigarettes. 

VIOLATORS WILL BE PROSECUTED. 

{Signatures of proprietors. ) 

Many a person who for the sum of one dollar, procures a 
license to shoot, has little regard for the property rights of land- 
owners. He tears down stone walls, leaves the pasture bars open 
for a ready exit of the farmer's cattle, and perpetrates many other 
nuisances that arouse the owner's ire to such an extent, that he 
posts his land against all entry thereon. This is the type of per- 
son to whom the objects of forming a sanctuary would make no 
appeal, and who would not hesitate to trespass within the pro- 
tected area, whenever the chances of discovery by the owners 
would be remote enough to promise an easy escape. 

The second method is the presenting to the Commissioners of 
a petition drawn in the following manner and signed by the vari- 
ous landowners whose properties adjoin : 

1916. 

To the Board of Commissioners on Fisheries and Game: 

The undersigned being owners of land and water in the Town, (or 

Towns) of , 

respectfully petition that you will order a close season for one or more 
periods, not exceeding five years each, on all wild birds and quadrupeds 
within the area of the land shown on a plan filed herewith. 

The petitioners being owners of said land in question hereby consent 
to such a close season. 

Respectfully, {Signatures of proprietors.) 

[50] 



A sanctuary is thus formed in accordance with Chapter 410, 
Acts of 1911, Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In this manner 
of procedure the Commonwealth, through the Commissioners on 
Fisheries and Game, instead of the individual landowner, as- 
sumes the responsibility of enforcement of law against all violators. 
This method is the better of the two, from the fact that persons 
usually have more respect for property owned by or under the 
jurisdiction of the state, than for that of a private citizen. 

One difficulty has been experienced in petitioning the Commis- 
sioners to close certain tracts. They seem loath to grant these re- 
quests, fearing that by pre-empting the shooting areas they will 
lose the support of their constituents, the sportsmen. The Com- 
missioners, however, agree that something drastic must be done to 
help keep up the supply of game that is annually sought after by 
nearly seventy thousand licensed sportsmen throughout this Com- 
monwealth. Artificial propagation of gamebirds is an expensive 
proposition and we must look to the sanctuaries as a feasible solu- 
tion of this perplexing problem. 

The following words of Hon. Joseph Kalbfus, Secretary of the 
Pennsylvania Commissioners of Game, and one of the best in- 
formed and most practical men engaged in the conservation of 
wild life in this country today, are very apropos concerning the 
value of sanctuaries: 

' ' I have also given the proposition of raising our native gamebirds, 
such as wild turkeys, ruffed grouse, and quail in captivity, considerable 
thought and attention. I have visited several game farms, some operated 
by public officials, some by private individuals. I have seen some few 
ruffed grouse that had been reared strictly in captivity. I saw some hun- 
dred or more quail reared in the same way, and have report of several 
hundreds of other birds of like character raised in the same way. I also 
know of very many instances where efforts in this direction have been 
rewarded by failure, and feel that at the best an undertaking of this kind 
is extremely precarious, the return very uncertain to say the least, and from 
the data I have collected I am led to believe that through the extermina- 
tion of vermin, including house cats and crows, and the feeding of our 
wild and free grouse and turkeys and quail during severe winter weather 
a far greater return will be secured in every county of this State than can 

[51] 



be secured to the entire State through or because of the establishment of 
a game farm where the rearing of these birds in captivity is undertaken, 
no difference how extensive that farm might be or how much money might be spent 
in that direction. 

* ' Each one of the six sanctuaries created in this Commonwealth and 
known as Game Preserves, the same being simply tracts of land surrounded 
by a single wire, a fire line and a line of notices calling the attention of 
the public to the purpose of the enclosure, whereon no hunting is per- 
mitted by any person at any time, and whereon no wild cat, or domestic 
cat, or fox, or crow, or other animals classed as vermin are permitted to 
live, has produced more game of the kind peculiar to that section; turkeys where 
turkeys are found, grouse and quail where these birds thrive, than has been 
produced on any or all of the game farms in all the United States, where such 
game has been raised strictly in captivity ; this too where the cost of main- 
tenance and production upon the sanctuaries does not count in pennies as 
compared with dollars or tens of dollars expended by the game farm. The Resi- 
dent Hunter's License will make possible one or more sanctuaries of the 
above-described kind in every county of this Commonwealth wherein the 
State owns land and from which gamebirds may be trapped for distribu- 
tion to sections where the State owns no land." 

The author wishes to state for the benefit of those who may- 
desire to establish a sanctuary in accordance with the Acts of 
1911, Chapter 410, that the Commonwealth assumes no control 
of land thus set aside, other than the establishing of a close season 
within the prescribed area, and the protection of all wild birds and 
animals found therein. The landowners have the right to transfer 
their real estate, carry on farming operations or engage in any 
legitimate pursuit of either business or pleasure. 

Whether a sanctuary be established as a private affair and under 
the direct supervision of the landowners, or whether it be estab- 
lished in accordance with the Act of the Commonwealth, is optional 
with the proprietors, but far more important than either is the 
choice of a suitable location. 

In selecting a tract of country to be used as a sanctuary, choose 
a section that contains a diversity of physical conditions, and where 
a fair number of gamebirds are already established. A tract of 
country embracing one thousand acres, may be found that has the 
ideals sought, — both wild and cultivated land, small ponds and 
[52] 



streams, and well wooded areas, comprising both broad leaved and 
coniferous trees. One or more thickly planted groves of white 
pine, and some old apple orchards would make a most happy 
combination. The white pine and the apple tree are much be- 
loved by the Ruffed Grouse, and as the establishment of sanctu- 
aries will tend to bring back this fine bird in numbers, we hope 
that all owners of woodland will reforest their properties with 
white pines and spare the old apple trees. The pine tree offers a 
snug shelter to the Grouse on winter nights, and during the day 
the Grouse frequent the sunny, southern exposures of the grove 
where it finds shelter from the north wind. Whoever sets out a 
plantation of white pine, confers a lasting favor upon the Grouse 
and its admirers. What is more characteristic of the New England 
country, than the Ruffed Grouse, and the white pine? 

Ponds having an area of over twenty acres should not be Included 
within the boundaries of a private sanctuary. Such ponds are known 
as "Great Ponds " and the public has a right of access to them at all 
times for the purpose of legitimate shooting, fishing or boating. 
This renders them both unsuitable and ineligible for the purpose 
of a sanctuary. This question of size Is important, from the fact 
that all ponds less than twenty acres In extent may be controlled 
by the riparian owners, and thus be incorporated as a sanctuary. 
The proprietors of a sanctuary may Indulge in fishing without 
disturbing the wild creatures, and where a trout brook is found 
within its borders, it may be profitably stocked with fingerlings each 
season, and furnish sport to those who are fond of the "gentle 
art of angling." The ponds may also be stocked with bass. In 
this manner the element of sport may be Introduced within the 
sanctuary, and while the angler is busy along the stream or, still- 
fishing on the pond, he at the same time will have the pleasure of 
observing the wild life about him, that takes kindly to the unob- 
trusive fisherman. Thus will he be amply repaid for his self-denial 
as a sportsman in foregoing the pleasures of shooting within this 
restricted area created by his fellow sportsmen and himself. 

Whenever practicable It is a wise plan to have the tract of land 
to be used as a sanctuary definitely bounded on all sides by the 
public highways. This method leaves no question of doubt as to 

[53] 



where the boundaries begin or end, and also offers a conspicuous 
place for the posting of notices, where they will surely be seen, 
even by the casual observer. The roads or highways also act as 
safe-guards against the spread of forest fires, and in addition should 
be cleared of brush on both sides for a space of twenty-five or 
thirty feet, and have the brush piled and burned at the time pre- 
scribed by the local fire-warden. 

Woodcock, Ruffed Grouse, Quail, Pheasants, Wild Ducks, 
Deer and Hares are frequently found within a tract of land em- 
bracing a thousand acres. All the briery tangles and alder swales 
should be left undisturbed and their growth encouraged. These 
retreats are needed by the Ruffed Grouse and other gamebirds 
when pursued by their winged enemies, — conditions that unfor- 
tunately are lacking in many state reservations, where the under- 
growth has been so thoroughly removed that no gamebirds can be 
induced to stay. The forester should leave here and there sizable 
clumps of tangle, if he wishes these birds to tenant his woodlands. 

Woodcock nest early in the spring season among moist, swampy, 
hardwood growth, and after the young birds are able to fly well, 
the entire family resort to the cornfields, where they probe for 
earthworms about the roots of the corn-stalks. They also visit the 
lawns and kitchen garden in search of grubs and earthworms. Early 
in September, the Woodcock seeks the uplands and is found among 
the birches and huckleberry bushes of the pasture. After the first 
heavy frost, Woodcock that have bred within the sanctuary move 
along on their southern migration. There is nothing that can be 
offered the Woodcock except protection, for it is mainly insectiv- 
orous in its diet, and as soon as the ground freezes is compelled 
to leave its summer haunts. 

Of all our upland gamebirds, none is more widely known or 
has more sincere admirers than the Ruffed Grouse, and no other 
gamebird has the like robust constitution or the ability to with- 
stand the rigor of our New England winters. Its habits are such 
that it is enabled to obtain a plentiful supply of food during the 
deep snows of winter, when the Quail and Pheasant, being ground 
feeders, and dependent upon the supply of seeds and nuts, would 
perish of starvation. After the fall of snow, Grouse feed upon the 

[54] 



fruits, seeds, and twigs of many trees and shrubs, in fact the list 
of these trees and shrubs given elsewhere in this volume, includes 
many species that furnish a winter food supply to the Ruffed 
Grouse. This bird is also fond of the buds of the birch and apple- 
tree, and consumes quantities of these during the winter months, 
especially during February and March. During the fall months 
Grouse are found around wild apple-trees, where they eagerly pick 
out and devour the seeds of apples that have fallen. So it will be 
seen how important a part the wild apple-tree plays in the exist- 
ence of the Grouse. Except in extremely cold weather, the Grouse 
spends the night high among the branches of the pines or other 
dense coniferous trees and is safe from the attacks of predaceous 
quadrupeds, to which other species like the Quail, that spend the 
night upon the ground are subject. When the mercury drops low 
and the ground is deeply snow-covered, the Grouse will plunge 
into it, and spend the night there, warmly covered with the snow 
blanket. Extermination of its natural enemies and the planting of 
trees and shrubs that furnish winter food will surely bring back 
this fine species in goodly numbers. The Grouse moreover is a 
woodland bird, and wherever the forest is removed by the lum- 
berman's axe, it disappears from the locality. More tracts of 
woodland should be conserved especially for this species of our 
gamebirds. 

The Quail or Bob-white is a bird of the open, cultivated, farming 
country, persists in spite of the toll exacted from its numbers by 
the sportsman, and is a valuable ally of the farmer, for it destroys 
vast quantities of weed seeds and injurious insects. Quail will not 
survive the winter, in sections of the country where the snow lies 
deep upon the ground for any great length of time, for the food 
supply of seeds, grains, and the ever essential gravel, is then 
inaccessible. Wherever deep snowfalls are liable to occur, thick 
shelters of brush and boards, with the openings facing the South, 
should be constructed early in the season, near the feeding places 
of each bevy of Quail, and liberally stocked with mixed grains and 
fine gravel. By encouraging the birds to visit this feeding-station 
long before the first snowfall, you will be assured that they will 
resort to it regularly throughout the winter. It would be a good 

[55] 



plan to sow both rye and buckwheat in numerous small patches 
throughout the sanctuary, and let these grains mature and stand 
unreaped as a food supply. 

The Chinese or Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus torquatus) 
has become firmly established throughout a large section of Mass- 
achusetts. While this bird has been very unfavorably commented 
upon from the standpoint of our sportsmen as a gamebird, 
from the fact that its habits are such that it cannot be pursued 
with the same success that attends our native Grouse and Quail 
when hunted with either pointer or setter, yet it will thrive and 
increase in sections where the last named species have entirely 
disappeared or where the environment is not congenial to them. 

No conclusive evidence has been produced to show that the 
Pheasant is antagonistic to our Grouse and Quail or that it de- 
stroys their nests or even the birds themselves, statements that 
have foolishly been made by certain individuals. The Pheasant 
being the larger bird, might during a time of scarcity of food, 
drive away other birds, when it was a question of self-preservation, 
and a survival of the fittest. This danger could be easily overcome 
by putting out food in abundance for all. 

The Pheasant in spite of the antipathy shown it by sportsmen 
and others, has many redeeming traits. It destroys large quantities 
of insects of many species injurious to the farmer, even though it 
may at times help itself to fruit and vegetables. It is valuable as a 
tablebird, for the flesh of the Pheasant is excellent in flavor, and 
the bird surpasses any of our native species of gamebirds in both 
size and weight. It furnishes an incentive for healthful outdoor 
exercise to those who are fond of legitimate shooting, and value 
" a sound mind in a sound body." Last but not least the Pheasant 
by reason of its size and showy plumage, and its adaptability to 
urban conditions, adds much to the attractiveness of the landscape 
about metropolitan estates, where owing to the abundance of thick 
shrubbery and other suitable cover for nesting, it takes up its abode. 

The Pheasant like the Quail is not a " budder," and when the 
ground is snow-covered must be fed under shelters in the same 
manner and with the same sort of food as the Quail. 

Throughout Southern New England and many of the Atlantic 

[56] 



states, Black Ducks, Mallards, and Wood Ducks breed in more 
or less abundance, and it is hoped through the establishing of 
many sanctuaries, to induce other species now nesting farther 
north to spend the summer in this locality. Wild Ducks of all 
species need absolute protection from disturbance on their feeding 
grounds, the planting of food-plants as given in the chapter de- 
voted to *' Aquatic Plants," and particularly for the Wood Duck, 
artificial nesting-sites. The Mallard and the Black Duck nest upon 
the ground, and all that can be done for them is to render their 
chosen nesting-sites immune from all disturbances during the 
period of incubation. The Wood Duck is a hole-nesting species, 
and the storms of winter or other causes frequently destroy nesting 
places that have been used annually by these birds for many 
seasons. Nesting-boxes should be constructed of rough boards or 
hollowed logs, and fastened to trees in the vicinity of ponds and 
streams. Place in the bottom of these nesting-boxes enough old 
weathered sawdust or particles of rotted wood to form a layer three 
inches deep, topped off with some fine, dried grasses. To this 
foundation the female may add other nesting-materials, before 
plucking the finishing lining of down from her own breast. 
Throughout its entire range the Wood Duck has become so re- 
duced in numbers as to be threatened with the grave danger of 
becoming extinct. Of all the various species of Wild Ducks found 
throughout the world, none excel the Wood Duck in beauty of 
plumage or grace of form and movements, and strenuous efforts 
should be made to save this most interesting, and typically 
American species from extermination. 

In many sections throughout Southern New England, where 
twenty years ago the Virginia Deer was locally unknown, it has 
now become plentiful, both in wild or forest lands and in the cul- 
tivated farming country. For many years Deer have been protec- 
ted in Massachusetts, and also in the adjoining state of Vermont, 
where they increased in such numbers as to become more or less 
of a menace to the agriculturist. Many of these Vermont Deer 
drifted south into Massachusetts and from thence into the states 
of both Connecticut and Rhode Island. 

Our Massachusetts game laws now allow an open season of one 

[57] 



week in which the sportsman may kill one Deer only, and in this 
way their numbers are kept within reasonable limit. The law also 
gives the owner or occupant of a farm the right to kill at any time 
Deer that are found injuring or feeding upon cultivated crops or 
fruit trees. Deer are really creatures suited only to the wild, uncul- 
tivated portions of our country, and cannot be tolerated in large 
numbers in farming districts. 

Like other wild creatures. Deer will soon discover the protec- 
tion offered by a sanctuary, and will persist and become numerous 
within its borders. The proprietors of a sanctuary must then 
decide whether these Deer should be tolerated for purely senti- 
mental reasons, and if so, whether the pleasure derived from the 
touch of wildness their presence adds to the surroundings, will 
counter-balance, the damages they may incur upon farm and 
orchard. 

Deer are often driven by hunger during deep snows, to browse 
upon the branches of young apple-trees. This destruction of young 
orchards could be largely overcome by placing alfalfa or red clover 
hay, of which Deer are very fond, in small stacks in wooded por- 
tions of the sanctuary, with a lump of rock salt nearby where it 
would be accessible to them in snowy weather. 

Hares, or as they are commonly called "Rabbits," safeguard 
the gamebirds within the sanctuary from their enemies, particu- 
ularly the Fox. Hares are prolific creatures, and when plenty 
form along with mice, the main food supply of the Fox. Foxes 
have become so numerous throughout Massachusetts and adjacent 
states, as to now be a menace to our gamebirds, the supply of 
Hares and mice not being sufficient to supply the demands of an 
ever increasing population of Foxes, Reynard pursues the game- 
birds, — for a Fox must live. 

Foxes as well as other predaceous animals cannot in safety be 
tolerated within a sanctuary, even though an abundance of Hares 
may somewhat modify the danger to the useful birds. Their num- 
bers must be reduced by trapping the adults and destroying their 
cubs in the spring-time, when the Foxes' earth can then be dis- 
covered and the litter of young removed. 

After establishing a sanctuary do not be disappointed, if dur- 

[58] 



ing the first year or two of its existence, the wild life does not 
increase in numbers as rapidly as you had hoped. Like any legit- 
imate enterprise, its growth may be slow, but keep everlastingly 
at it. This is a work of cooperation and you must enlist in the 
cause all of your friends who have a love for the wild creatures. 
Among these you may be fortunate enough to find a civil engi- 
neer and possibly a landscape architect. The former will be glad to 
assist in the planning of roadways and the latter to suggest the 
planting of proper shrubbery. Some of the proprietors should be 
appointed as game wardens having full power to arrest and pros- 
ecute violators, and thus not be entirely dependent upon the state 
officers for the enforcement of law. 

Establish winter feeding stations for the birds and systematically 
feed them. Place nesting-boxes in suitable places for the hole- 
nesting birds, and bird baths in numerous places, when an abun- 
dant natural supply of water is lacking. Keep the vermin reduced 
in numbers, for when the useful birds become numerous, their 
enemies likewise increase. Establish a small nursery, in which may 
be propagated many species of trees and shrubs, the fruits and 
seeds of which are attractive to both useful and gamebirds. From 
this community nursery, as it might properly be called, plantings 
could be made each year in various sections of the sanctuary. 

There are a number of native species of trees and shrubs, whose 
berries and seeds form an important winter food supply of the 
birds, and many of which retain their fruits until the advent of 
spring. The following are indigenous to Southern New England, 
and if not already found within the borders of a sanctuary, may be 
easily transplanted, will thrive and become permanently estab- 
lished: — Bayberry, Ground Juniper, Barberry and Upland Cedar 
or Savin. These are but a few of many species, both native and 
exotic, a list of which is given in the chapter devoted to that sub- 
ject in this volume. In many spots sheltered from the northerly 
winds sow rye and buckwheat, each of course by itself. Along the 
edges of the fields plant long rows of the large Russian sunflower 
and in moist land sow Japanese millet. All of these plants furnish 
a food supply relished by birds of many species. 

Whenever time and expense will admit, a series of connecting 

[59] 



roads and bridle-paths should be constructed, intersecting the sanc- 
tuary. These serve not only as fire-lanes to prevent the spread of 
any forest fires that may unexpectedly break out, but also provide 
sunny places and highways for the woods creatures. Ruffed Grouse 
are fond of these forest roads, where dusting places and wild fruits 
are found in abundance along their borders. Immediately after the 
first snowfall a tour of inspection should be carefully made through- 
out the entire length and breadth of the sanctuary, not only to 
supply the needed food to the worthy furred and feathered guests, 
but also to discover what enemies of theirs are abroad and what 
record of their evil deeds has been written upon the tell-tale snow. 
Now is the time to begin the campaign of extermination of the 
"vermin." The lean and hungry winter renders the Fox more 
susceptible to the enticing bait of the trap, and the semi-wild house 
cat will enter the box-trap, in quest of the proffered morsel of fish. 
The services of a professional trapper at this season of year, would 
more than pay the initial cost to the owners, and when possible a 
man should be engaged for this purpose, especially when the sanc- 
tuary is situated in wild portions of the country. 

In these closing lines the author wishes to impress upon the 
reader how far-reaching will be the results obtained through this 
establishing of Sanctuaries or Wild Life Reservations, not only in 
** bringing back the gamebirds," but also in protecting and increas- 
ing the numbers of our useful birds. We have reached the '* danger 
point" where, unless something drastic is done and done without 
delay to protect certain areas, persistent shooting will simply spell 
extermination. Whether a sanctuary consists of the combined acres 
of a few farmers, and managed under simple methods, or whether 
it be a territory that embraces many square miles and is under the 
supervision of a trained wild life protectionist, the fundamental 
principles are the same in each, and the founders should be looked 
upon as men who have the welfare not only of their own commun- 
ity at heart, but also of the entire nation. 

Some men will always delight in shooting as a recreation and 

among these there exists a feeling that chances of enjoying their 

sport are becoming less with each ensuing year, owing to these 

restricted areas. To them we would say that it is only by the estab- 

[60] 



lishment of sanctuaries and allowing the game to Increase within 
their boundaries, that the sections now open to shooting can be 
kept supplied with animals of the chase, by the natural overflow 
from within the protected areas. 

Many useful and interesting species of our wild birds and ani- 
mals have either entirely disappeared from our country, or become 
in danger of extermination, all within a comparatively few years, and 
it is only through methods of perpetuation such as are brought 
about by the establishment of Sanctuaries and Game Preserves, that 
we shall be able to convey to future generations a part of the her- 
itage that is due them. 

Until our gamebirds and animals have been sufficiently increased 
in numbers through protective measures, to allow with safety the 
shooting of the yearly increase, we must keep certain areas closed. 
One season of persistent and promiscuous shooting will destroy 
all the good results that have been obtained through ten seasons of 
protection. Many tracts must be maintained as Wild Life Reserva- 
tions, and forever held inviolate from destructive agents. Protec- 
tion IS, the one thing that will spell success in this attempt to increase 
our wild life. Protection from the lawless human element; protec- 
tion from starvation; protection from their natural enemies. Given 
these, the birds and quadrupeds will rapidly multiply without the 
aid of artificial means of propagation. 

Time was when our wild birds and animals formed an important 
source of food supply to the people of this country. But with the 
advance of civilization and its modern methods of producing food 
in abundance and in a portable form, our wild life has ceased to be 
a commodity of this sort, except in a few remote corners of the earth 
peopled by savage tribes. Today our wild life in civilized commun- 
ities plays a far more important part in the economic, sentimental 
and recreative life of the people. 

Since we may thus increase our wild creatures by simple methods 
that put incumbrance upon none, let us assure posterity that the 
woods in springtime will always resound with the drumming of the 
Ruffed Grouse; that from the blue overhead will come down to us 
the "honk" of the swiftly winging platoons of the Wild Goose; 
and that the Deer will always feed in the wild pastures. 

[61] 



ENEMIES OF WILD BIRDS 

WE may never hope to increase the numbers of our useful 
birds and quadrupeds until their natural enemies and other 
destructive agents are either largely removed or reduced to a 
minimum. Each year sees a fresh horde of illiterate immigrants 
landed upon our shores, off scourings from the southern countries 
of Europe, people to whom our wild creatures appeal only as a 
welcome addition to the bill-of-fare. 

Every season, hundreds, yes thousands of our useful birds are 
both shot and snared by the Italian and Slav poacher. Our coun- 
try is too wide, and the game wardens too few in number to 
successfully cope with this menace. A large percentage of these 
foreign violators of our game laws, belong to the laboring classes, 
and are employed by railway companies, and contractors who need 
wielders of the pick and shovel, and carriers of mortar. There is 
a remedy for this sort of violation, and one that would have last- 
ing effect. Every employer of foreign labor, whether railway com- 
pany, or building contractor, should establish a hard and fast rule, 
that the first man in their employ found with either a rifle or shot- 
gun in his possession, or who destroyed any form of wild life 
contrary to the laws of either state or federal government, be 
summarily discharged. This would have a most wholesome 
effect, and at the same time create of the employer a powerful 
public benefactor. Why should not the employer of this sort of 
violator treat the matter so far as the public is concerned as though 
it was of a personal nature. Would the wealthy employer tolerate 
the shooting of the useful birds upon his country estate, by his 
own laborers? Why then should he not insist that they refrain 
from destroying them elsewhere. 

The alien violator of our game laws, may offer as an apology for 
his misconduct, ignorance of our protective laws and that he has 
simply followed the customs of the country of his birth, where in 
many instances all forms of wild creatures are considered legitimate 
objects of pursuit for either sport or food. We have unfortunately 
among our young American citizens a certain class, that seem to 
be absolutely lawless, in spite of home influences or education, and 
[62] 



who not only violate the game laws, but also set forest fires, and 
commit other depredations simply from a spirit of maliciousness. 
There is no excuse to be offered by this class of violator. A heavy 
fine, a term of imprisonment, or both, is the only sort of punish- 
ment that produces any effect on this sort, — moral suasion is too 
weak. 

There are a number of predatory birds and animals that should 
be killed on sight, or by methods of trapping. 

At the head of the list stands the house cat. More birds, both 
useful and game birds are destroyed each year by this pest, than 
by any other of their winged or four-footed enemies. Hundreds 
of semi-wild house cats roam the woods and fields, from the 
borders of Long Island Sound to the Canadian boundaries of our 
northern New England States. Trappers engaged in the pursuit 
of fur-bearing animals catch many house cats, in the woods far 
removed from human habitations. These cats subsist upon the 
birds and smaller quadrupeds, and it is a wonder that a single 
ruffed grouse, quail, woodcock, or hare is left in our covers. In 
the suburban districts cats destroy large numbers of useful birds, 
their eggs and young, both by day and night, for the cat is largely 
nocturnal in its habits, and carries on its work of destruction when 
its movements are cloaked by darkness. 

Many of the cats now roaming the woods are the victims or 
their descendants, of the negligence of persons from the city, who 
in their exodus to the country for the summer, brought along 
their household pet that it might be cared for by themselves, rather 
than leave it in charge of a neighbor during their absence. 

This is no doubt humane and highly commendable, but fre- 
quently in the hurry of departure for the city at the end of the 
season, the cat at the last moment cannot be found. The train is 
about due, and time must not be consumed in a hunt for the 
missing animal. Consequently the cat is left without shelter or 
food, and soon becomes a menace to the hfe of woods and fields. 

Unless drastic measures are speedily taken to reduce the 
numbers of house cats found at large throughout our country, the 
establishing of protected areas for useful wild creatures will fail of 
their purpose. The writer knows of one specific instance of the 

[63] 



destructiveness of the semi-wild cat, in which a bevy of fourteen 
quail was reduced in numbers, until two only of the original bevy 
were left, and this took place within a wild life refuge where all 
shooting had been discontinued. We are now face to face with the 
same problem that presented itself to the game preservers of Eng- 
land fifty years ago and which still continues at the present time, 

— how to get rid of the semi-wild house cat in an effective and 
humane manner. Until cat owners are compelled by law to license 
their pets and properly restrain them, this animal will continue to 
be a wild creature, without legal status and against whom the 
righteous bird protectionist must forever wage a war of extermi- 
nation. 

The writer wishes to quote a few lines from the book of that 
charming English author, the late Richard Jefleries, entitled "The 
Gamekeeper at Home," in which he sets forth the alarming de- 
struction wrought by house cats among wild creatures in England. 
These are taken from the third American edition published in 
1879. " All the cats were shot or caught in the traps set for vermin 
by her husband (the Gamekeeper) or his assistants. The majority 
were wild — that is, had taken up their residence in the woods, 
reverting to their natural state, and causing great havoc among 
the game." 

'*This gives an idea of the extraordinary number of cats which 
stray abroad and get their living by poaching. They invariably 
gravitate towards the woods. The instance in point is taken from 
an outlying district far from a town, where the nuisance is com- 
paratively small ; but in the preserves say from ten to twenty miles 
round London the cats thus killed must be counted by thousands. 
Families change their homes, the cat is driven away by the new 
comer and takes to the field. In one little copse not more than 
two acres in extent, and about twelve miles from Hyde Park Cor- 
ner, fifteen cats were shot in six weeks, and nearly all in one spot 

— their favorite haunt. When two or three wild or homeless ani- 
mals take up their abode in a wood, they speedily attract half a 
dozen hitherto tame ones; and, if they are not destroyed, it would 
be impossible to keep either game or rabbits." 

Both Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks are very destructive 

[64] 



of bird life, and should not be tolerated. Shooting is about the only 
means of riddance. Fortunately the Goshawk's visits are infre- 
quent, but when this bird does appear it is usually in large numbers. 
The last large flight was during the autumn and winter of 1906- 
1907, at which time the writer shot several of these birds and saw 
many others. This species of hawk is very fond of the flesh of 
RufTed Grouse, and during the above mentioned flight the writer 
found the remains of several Grouse that had been killed and 
eaten by this bird. When this hawk appears in the vicinity a 
systematic campaign of extermination should be waged against it 
with the shot-gun. 

Foxes in the last decade have become very numerous through- 
out Massachusetts and other states. Reynard is not however as 
black as he is sometimes painted. He seems to live on neighborly 
terms with the Ruffed Grouse, and what few birds of this species 
he picks up are usually those that have been wounded by and es- 
caped from the gunner, or some weakling of the covey not strong 
enough to burst away on whirring wing. When mice and hares 
are plenty the Fox takes his toll from these. Should Foxes become 
a menace to the game birds, the shot-gun and hounds, and the 
steel-trap must be used to reduce their numbers to a safety point. 
Encourage the hares to increase and you will divert the Fox from 
preying upon the game birds. 

In many metropolitan suburbs the Crow and the Blue Jay have 
become both too numerous and too familiar to be tolerated with 
safety to our more useful birds. They should be systematically 
"thinned out." Individual Crows develop strong likings for 
young birds and eggs, particularly when the Crows have a family 
of their own dependent upon them. During the spring of 1914, a 
pair of Crows built a nest within a quarter of a mile of my home, 
and managed to make away with between thirty-five and forty 
chickens about a week old, before the theft was discovered. These 
Crows afterwards quietly dangled from the tip of a pole on the edge 
of the field as a warning to others of their tribe, who might seek 
to carry on depredations of a like nature. This same season, while 
journeying by train, I saw a Crow flying along within twenty yards 
of the car window, with a Quail's egg impaled upon its beak. I 

[65] 



will wager that later trips were made by this Crow to the Quail's 
nest as long as the supply of eggs held out. 

Blue Jays sneak quietly through the woods, and among the 
orchard and shade trees during the nesting season and help them- 
selves to the eggs and young of useful birds. For a bird usually so 
garrulous, the Blue Jay at this season of the year is strangely silent. 
It is an ominous silence, the silence used by a thief in his under- 
handed work. Whenever the Robin discovers a Jay during the nest- 
ing season on the prowl, he immediately sounds the alarm, when 
Robins and other birds immediately flock to the scene and hustle 
the Jay out of the neighborhood. When this commotion is heard 
among the birds, grab the shot-gun and annihilate the Blue Jay. 

The Great Horned and Barred Owl, are both very destructive 
to bird life and should be shot wherever found. 

The Snapping Turde destroys many young Wild Ducks of 
all species, and is rather difficult to capture. This Turtle not only 
seizes the downy young, but also ducks that are half-grown. The 
bird protectionist has however a valuable ally in the much ma- 
ligned Skunk. The Skunk undoubtedly destroys some eggs and 
young of our ground-nesting birds, but endeavors to repay this 
loss by destroying many eggs of the Snapping Turtle. The 
Skunk has a decided epicurean taste in this respect, and makes 
a most thorough search for the eggs of the turtle that have been 
deposited in sandy stretches near river or pond, prompdy digs 
them out and devours them on the spot, the broken shells scat- 
tered about giving evidence of the work. 

Too many dogs roam the woods during the nesting season, and 
a law should be enacted compelling their owners to restrain them 
at home during the spring and summer months. Some bird 
dogs develop what is called the "self-hunting" habit, and catch 
gamebirds on their nest, or the young. Most of the danger how- 
ever comes from the presence in the woods at night of both rabbit 
and fox hounds. These dogs while in chase of their quarry, 
frighten many ground nesting birds from their nests, with the 
result that the eggs are left to become chilled, and thus prevented 
from hatching, or the young birds die from exposure before the 
parent can return to them with the coming of daylight. 
[66] 



Rats and Weasels are very destructive, and should be trapped 
or shot whenever or wherever one may chance to find them. 

One of the greatest difficulties that the protector of wild life 
experiences in his efforts to increase the numbers of useful birds 
and animals, is the constantly recurring numbers of predatory spe- 
cies that will inevitably swarm within his protected area. However 
we must admit, from the results of observations by reputable nat- 
uralists, covering a period of many years, that predaceous species 
of both birds and mammals, when not too abundant, render an 
important service in keeping the health of our useful species at 
its highest standard, by destroying the sickly and maimed indi- 
viduals. This prevents disease from spreading and becoming a se- 
rious epidemic, particularly among our upland gamebirds. All the 
hawks, owls and foxes should not be destroyed, for then our 
country would soon be overrun by weasels, rats, mice and other 
rodents. It is only when the numbers of harmful species are out 
of all proportion to those of the useful species that we must by a 
process of extermination restore nature's balance. Unfortunately 
today the predaceous birds and species in many sections of our 
country have multiplied in numbers beyond a point of safety. 
There Is no way of overcoming this menace except by eternal 
vigilance in judicious trapping and the use of firearms. Like vul- 
tures, these "pests "as Dr. Hornaday rightfully calls them, seem 
to intuitively gather to the good hunting grounds of the Wild 
Life Refuge or Sanctuary. 

Present day methods of spraying trees with poisonous fluids and 
the use of powerful machines for the purpose, must no doubt 
continue, in order to destroy the myriads of leaf-eating insects that 
defoliate our trees. Nevertheless, nests, eggs, and young birds are 
destroyed by the powerful, drenching stream thrown by the power- 
sprayer. Birds are not found in numbers in sections where the 
trees have been thoroughly sprayed. Not only have their homes 
been destroyed, but also the insect life upon which they feed. 
Whether many birds die from the effects of eating insects that 
have been poisoned is a question that still remains unanswered. 



[67] 



BIBLIOGRAPHY OF WORKS PERTAINING 
TO BIRDS AND THE OUT-OF-DOORS 

THIS list of books was compiled as an aid to those who may 
wish to continue the study of bird protection and the estab- 
lishment of game refuges and sanctuaries. Works on shooting, 
fishing and exploration have also been included, from the fact that 
much interesting and instructive material is often found among 
the pages of books on these subjects, and in many instances their 
authors are among our foremost advocates of wild life conservation. 
Many of the members of this Association are both enthusiastic 
sportsmen and anglers, and it is only fair that a list of books on the 
subjects most dear to them should be included in this compilation. 
The books included in this list comprise not only the most 
recent publications on the various subjects, but also well known 
works that have stood the test of time and the critics, and which 
are indispensable to the student of wild life. Many of these are 
classics, and should always be within the reach of everyone who 
has a love for the out-of-doors, and religiously read at least once 
every season. What can more completely veil your urban sur- 
roundings of a winter's night, and transport you to the open 
country, than the reading of Frank Bolles's "Land of the Lin- 
gering Snow" and **At the North of Bearcamp Water," or John 
Burroughs' "Wake-Robin"? 

Many books that have not been included in this list have great 
merit, but space would not admit of more. So the writer must be 
pardoned if he has unintentionally slighted the books of other 
authors by not placing them on these pages. 

BIRDS 

Audubon and his Journals. 2 vols. $7. SO 

Bailey, Mrs. Florence Merriam — Birds of Field and Village. 

Illustrated 2.00 

Bailey, Mrs. Florence Merriam — Handbook of Birds of the 

Western United States. Illustrated 3.50 

BoUes, Frank — At the North of Bearcamp Water 1.25 

Bolles, Frank — Land of the Lingering Snow 1.25 

[68] 



Brewster, William — Birds of the Cambridge Region, Massachu- 
setts $2.50 
Burroughs, John — Wake-Robin. With Portrait 1.15 
Chapman, Frank M. — Handbook of Birds of Eastern North 

America. Colored plates. 1914 3.50 

Chapman, Frank M. — The Warblers of North America. Col- 
ored plates. 1914 3.00 
Forbush, Edward Howe — History of the Game-Birds, Wildfowl, 

Shore Birds of Massachusetts and Adjacent States. Illustrated 1.00 
Forbush, Edward Howe — Useful Birds and Their Protection. 

Illustrated 1.00 

Herrick, F. H.— Home Life of Wild Birds. Illustrated 2.00 

Hoffmann, Ralph — A Guide to the Birds of New England and 

Eastern New York. Illustrated 1.50 

Minot, Henry D. — The Land-Birds and Game-Birds of New 
England. Edited by William Brewster. With Portrait and out- 
line illustrations 3.50 
Reed, Chester A. — Bird Book. Illustrated, colors. 1915 3.00 
Sandys, E. W., and Van Dyke, T. S. — Upland Game-Birds. 

Illustrated 2.00 

Sanford, L. C. — Waterfowl Family. Illustrated 2.00 

Townsend, Charles W. — Birds of Essex County, Massachusetts 2.50 
Townsend, Charles W. — Along the Labrador Coast. Illustrated 1.50 
Townsend, Charles W. — A Labrador Spring. Illustrated 1.50 

Townsend, Charles W. — Sand Dunes and Salt Marshes 2.00 

Trafton, Gilbert H. — Methods of Attracting Birds. Illustrated 1.25 

Trumbull, Gurdon — Names and Portraits of Birds Which Inter- 
est Gunners. Illustrated 2.00 
Wright, Mabel Osgood — Birdcraft. Illustrated 2.00 

SHOOTING, FISHING AND WOODCRAFT 

Bennet, E. — Shots and Snapshots in British East Africa. 

Illustrated. 1914 2.00 

Breck, Edward — The Way of the Woods; a Manual for Sports- 
men. Illustrated 1.75 

Camp, Samuel G. — Fishing Kits and Equipment 1.00 

Carnegie, W. — Practical Game Preserving 3.00 

Dugmore, A. Radclyffe — The Romance of the Beaver. Illustra- 
ted with photographs from life and drawings by the author. 1914 2. 50 

Duncan, Stanley and Thome, Guy — Complete Wildfowler 

Ashore and Afloat. Illustrated 3. 75 

Frazer, Perry D. — Angler's Workshop 1.00 

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Gathorne- Hardy, A. E. — My Happy Hunting Grounds. Illustrated ;^3.00 

Grinnell, George B. — Hunting in High Altitudes. Illustrated 2.50 

Holder, Charles F. — Big Game at Sea. Illustrated 2.00 
Holder, Charles F.— Big Game Fishes of the United States. 

Illustrated 2.00 

Holder, Charles F. — Game Fishes of the World. Illustrated 5.00 

Holder, Charles F. — Salt Water Game Fishing ,70 
Hornaday, William T. — Camp Fires in the Canadian Rockies. 

Illustrated 3.00 
Hornaday, William T. — Camp Fires on Desert and Lava. 

Illustrated 3. 00 

Hornaday, William T. — Our Vanishing Wild Life. Illustrated 1.50 
Hornaday, William T. — Wild Life Conservation. Illustrated. 1914 1.50 

Huntington, Dwight W. — Our Big Game. Illustrated 2.00 

Huntington, Dwight W. — Our Feathered Game. Illustrated 2.00 

Huntington, Dwight W. — Our Wild Fowl. Illustrated 1.50 
Jefferies, John Richard — The Gamekeeper at home. New edition. 

Illustrated 1.20 
Jones, Owen and Woodward, Marcus — Game Keeper's Note 

Book 2.10 
Jordan and Evermann — American Food and Game Fishes 4. 00 
Kearton, Cherrie — Wild Life Across the World with the Camera 5. 00 
Kephart, Horace — Book of Camping and Woodcraft. Illustrated 1.50 
LaBranche, G. M. L. — Dry Fly and Fast Waters 2.00 
Marbury, Mary Orvis — Favorite Flies and Their Histories. Illus- 
trated in colors and black and white 5.00 
Martindale, Thomas — Hunting in the Upper Yukon. Illustrated 2.00 
Mcllhenny, Edward A. — The Wild Turkey and its Hunting. 

Illustrated. 1914 2.50 
Rhead, Louis — Bait Angling for Common Fishes 1.25 
Rogers, Sir John Godfrey — Sport in Vancouver and Newfound- 
land. Illustrated 2.00 
Roosevelt, Theodore — African Game Trails. Illustrated 4.00 

Roosevelt, Theodore — Outdoor Pastimes of an American Hunter. 

Illustrated 3.00 

Scull, E. Marshall — Hunting in the Arctic and Alaska. Illustra- 
ted. 1914 2.50 

Sears, George W. (Nessmuk) — Woodcraft. A Classic 1.00 

Seton, Ernest Thompson — Life Histories of Northern Animals. 
2 Vols. Complete history of North America Animals from the 

Field Mouse to the Moose. Illustrated 18.00 

Seton, Ernest Thompson — The Arctic Prairies. Illustrated 2.50 
[70] 



Sheldon, Charles — The Wilderness of the Upper Yukon. Illus- 
trated $3.00 
Sheldon, Charles — Wilderness of the North Pacific Coast Islands. 

Illustrated 2.00 
Singer, Daniel J. — Big Game Fields of America — North and 

South. Illustrated. 1914 2.25 
Southard, Charles Z. — Trout Fly-Fishing in America 7.50 
Thomas, W. S. — Trails and Tramps in Alaska and Newfound- 
land. Illustrated 2.50 
White, Stewart Edward —African Camp Fires. Illustrated 1.50 
White, Stewart Edward — Camp and Trail. Illustrated 1.50 
White, Stewart Edward — Land of Footprints, (Hunting Adven- 
tures in Africa.) Illustrated 1.50 
White, Stewart Edward — The Forest. Illustrated 1.50 
White, Stewart Edward — The Mountains. Illustrated 1.50 
White, Stewart Edward — The Rediscovered Country. (Africa.) 

Illustrated. 1915 2.00 

Whitney, Harry— Hunting with the Eskimos. Illustrated 3,50 

Nearly all of the books mentioned in the above list may be found on the 
shelves of the larger City and Town Libraries throughout our country. Many of 
these are desirable to own, and the price has been given opposite each. 



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LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 



001 259 342 9 < 



